Mahesh Babu Shares BTS Glimpse from 'Varanasi' Sets to Mark SS Rajamouli's Birthday

Superstar Mahesh Babu took to social media on October 10 to wish filmmaker SS Rajamouli a happy birthday, sharing a behind-the-scenes image from their upcoming collaboration, Varanasi. In his post on the platform X, the actor expressed his enthusiasm for the project, writing, “Wishing you the most memorable birthday yet @ssrajamouli sir… Cannot wait for the world to see what we are creating together.”The shared photograph provides a candid look at the production, capturing the director in a light-hearted moment with his crew members. Rajamouli is depicted wearing a cream-coloured hat, a black shirt, and jeans. The official account for Varanasi also joined in the celebrations, posting a tribute to the director with the message, “Happy Birthday to THE DIRECTOR.”Varanasi is an upcoming time-travel adventure drama that marks the first collaboration between Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu. The film’s narrative is reportedly set against the backdrop of a global threat posed by an asteroid and is expected to be filmed across diverse locations, including the city of Varanasi, Africa, and Antarctica. The cast features Mahesh Babu as Rudra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is reportedly cast as the antagonist, Kumbha. This film marks Priyanka Chopra Jonas' return to Indian cinema after an eight-year hiatus.While media reports have speculated that the production budget falls between Rs 1,300 and Rs 1,400 crore and that the plot may incorporate elements inspired by the Ramayana, these specific details have not been officially confirmed by the filmmakers. Currently, the production team is working toward a worldwide theatrical release, which is scheduled for April 7, 2027.