Now Reading: Anil Ravipudi denies Mahesh Babu collaboration rumours
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Anil Ravipudi denies Mahesh Babu collaboration rumours
Director Anil Ravipudi has dismissed reports that he is set to reunite with Superstar Mahesh Babu for a new film after the actor completes his upcoming project Varanasi. Taking to X on…
Director Anil Ravipudi has dismissed reports that he is set to reunite with Superstar Mahesh Babu for a new film after the actor completes his upcoming project Varanasi. Taking to X on August 25, Ravipudi called the news completely false and baseless. He wrote: 'Whatever news is currently circulating is completely false and untrue. Please don't believe or spread such rumours.'
The speculation emerged from industry buzz that Mahesh Babu, currently filming SS Rajamouli's globe-trotting forest adventure Varanasi (slated for an April 2027 release), was planning a quickie with Ravipudi. The duo had previously delivered a blockbuster with Sarileru Neekevvaru in 2020. Ravipudi is currently shooting for January 12 Vidudala, starring Venkatesh and Kalyan Ram, and is committed to another project after that.
m9.news, which first reported the talks, noted that nothing was finalised. But every other outlet that covered the story carried Ravipudi's denial. Telugu360.com added that Mahesh Babu has not committed to any film after Varanasi and an announcement on his next project is expected only next year.
Indian Opinion Analysis
m9.news ran the original rumour as a speculative scoop, leaning into the buzz of a 'reunion worth keeping an eye on', while every other outlet led with Ravipudi's categorical denial. The critical outlets framed the story as baseless gossip that required correction, with telugucinema.com noting that Ravipudi's existing commitments made a Mahesh film unlikely. The balanced take is clear: the denial is authoritative and unambiguous, making the story about a rumour being shut down rather than a project in the works. Mahesh Babu's next film will be officially announced in 2026.
Coverage: 6 sources, 5 neutral, 1 sensationalist
Sources (6): m9.news (sensationalist), 123telugu.com (neutral report), greatandhra.com (neutral report), telugu360.com (neutral report), telugucinema.com (neutral report), tracktollywood.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 6 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry.
Updated: this story now draws on 6 sources.
