# Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra reveal ‘Varanasi’ glimpses

2026-08-09T10:56:26+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Director SS Rajamouli released two new looks of Mahesh Babu from his upcoming film ‘Varanasi’ on the actor’s birthday Sunday. The first still shows Rudhra on a bamboo raft in a dense jungle, the second places him against the Maasai Mara plains in Kenya. Priyanka Chopra, who plays Mandakini in the film, also shared a behind-the-scenes picture with Mahesh Babu from the Africa schedule, wishing him on Instagram. The Times of India reports the film is in production, while Cinema Express says it is almost complete. The globe-trotting epic, shot in IMAX format, is set for release on April 7, 2027. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the villain Kumbha, and Prakash Raj has a role. Rajamouli told Cinema Express that the Africa locations brought 'something no set could' and that Mahesh Babu's character is 'witty, vulnerable, and fierce'.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/happy-birthday-bob-priyanka-chopra-shares-bts-photo-with-mahesh-babu-from-varanasi-africa-schedule-calls-it-the-ultimate-adventure/articleshow/133064267.cms>
- cinemaexpress.com <https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2026/Aug/09/mahesh-babus-new-looks-from-varanasi-unveiled-on-actors-birthday>

Tags: IMAX, Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, SS Rajamouli, Tollywood, Varanasi film
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