# First look of Mahesh Babu as Rudhra in Rajamouli’s Varanasi out

2026-08-09T03:42:08+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

SS Rajamouli released Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudhra from his upcoming film Varanasi on the actor's birthday, August 9. The images, shot during the Africa schedule near Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara, show Babu in a green shirt and cargo pants amid dense foliage. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Hindustan Times reports that some online viewers called the pictures 'too sanitised' and compared them to a Mountain Dew advertisement, while others praised his presence. Budgeted at around Rs 1,200-1,400 crore, Varanasi is a time-travelling adventure linked to the Ramayana and is scheduled to release in April 2027.

## Coverage

- news.abplive.com <https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/mahesh-babu-birthday-rudhra-varanasi-first-look-ss-rajamouli-1861124>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/mahesh-babu-lounges-in-africa-in-unseen-pics-from-ss-rajamouli-varanasi-internet-says-mountain-dew-ad-priyanka-chopra-101786247344622.html>

Tags: first look, Indian cinema, Mahesh Babu, SS Rajamouli, Tollywood, Varanasi film
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