Director SS Rajamouli has praised Mahesh Babu for exceeding his expectations with his performance as Rudhra in Varanasi, marking their first collaboration. The action-adventure film, which also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is scheduled to release in theatres on April 7, 2027.

While speaking at a university in the United States, Rajamouli said Mahesh brought far more to the character than he had initially anticipated. The filmmaker also spoke about his dissatisfaction with how Indian cinema has portrayed mythology and epic stories, expressing hope that Varanasi will bring such narratives to the screen on a grand scale.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Rajamouli noted that while he expected total commitment from the actor, the final result went far beyond his imagination. He stated that the lead star gave double his usual effort, perfectly nailing the character and making the production a genuinely unique journey for the entire crew.

During a conversation on the Empire Film Podcast, Rajamouli also reflected on the portrayal of mythology and epic stories in Indian cinema, noting that he was never fully satisfied with past cinematic interpretations of these epics. This sentiment hints at his ambition to approach the genre with a distinct vision through Varanasi.

The film is set against the backdrop of a global crisis in which a massive asteroid named Shambhavi threatens the city of Varanasi. Rudhra, a rugged archaeologist and explorer, is recruited for a high-stakes mission to recover an ancient cosmic artefact.

He is joined by Mandakini, a fearless historian and skilled marksman, as their journey takes them through the jungles of Africa, the icy landscapes of Antarctica, and several locations across Europe. The duo must evade Kumbha, a technologically advanced antagonist, while uncovering secrets linked to the city's mythical past that could hold the key to preventing a future catastrophe.

Varanasi features Mahesh Babu in the lead, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas playing the female lead and Prithviraj Sukumaran in a pivotal role. The ambitious production involves extensive visual effects and multiple shooting schedules, and the leading actor has reportedly completed filming his portions.

The makers recently shared behind-the-scenes pictures from the sets featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran to mark the actor's 44th birthday. With this project, Rajamouli reunites with the large-scale storytelling that defined his previous blockbusters, aiming to deliver a fresh perspective on Indian mythology when the film arrives in cinemas.