# Mahesh Babu’s ‘Rudhra’ first look from Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ out on his birthday

2026-08-09T07:20:55+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

On his 51st birthday, Mahesh Babu released the first look of his character Rudhra from SS Rajamouli's upcoming film 'Varanasi'. The images show him in a rugged avatar against African backdrops from the film's Africa schedule. Director Rajamouli described Rudhra as carrying a destiny he did not ask for, calling him witty, vulnerable and fierce. Priyanka Chopra, who plays Mandakini, also shared a behind-the-scenes birthday photo from South Africa. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist Kumbha. The film is a mythology and time-travel epic about a race against time to stop an asteroid threatening the historic city of Varanasi. It is set for release on April 7, 2027.

## Coverage

- indiatvnews.com <https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/mahesh-babu-s-varanasi-look-rudra-promises-larger-than-life-adventure-as-actor-unveils-character-on-birthday-2026-08-09-1050828>
- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/mahesh-babus-fierce-look-as-rudhra-in-ss-rajamoulis-varanasi-revealed-on-his-birthday-4104620>
- odishatv.in <https://odishatv.in/entertainment/mahesh-babu-turns-51-ss-rajamouli-unveils-new-rudhra-stills-from-varanasi-priyanka-chopra-shares-candid-bob-moment-12244151>

Tags: character reveal, Indian cinema, Mahesh Babu, SS Rajamouli, Varanasi
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