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Mahesh Babu trains in Kalaripayattu for SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, co-starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, aiming for a Sankranti 2027 release.
Mahesh Babu is set to headline SS Rajamouli’s upcoming time-travel adventure, Varanasi.
As SS Rajamouli advances work on his ambitious time-travel adventure Varanasi, lead actor Mahesh Babu has begun intensive training in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu. The big-budget production, currently in progress, marks the actor’s most demanding role yet and brings together a star-studded cast with a Sankranti 2027 release target.
The Telugu star essays the role of Rudhra in Rajamouli’s next directorial venture, which follows the filmmaker’s international success with RRR (2022). That film earned an Oscar and a Golden Globe for “Naatu Naatu” and won praise from global icons, including James Cameron and Steven Spielberg.
Mahesh Babu’s martial arts training gained attention after Hyderabad-based instructor Hari Krish posted photos with the actor on Instagram.
On one image, he wrote, “I never thought my journey would lead me to train a global star of Indian cinema on Kalaripayattu.”
He later revealed the identity of the star, adding, “Feeling proud and truly blessed to have trained @urstrulymahesh sir in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu. His lifestyle, aura, and hospitality are deeply inspiring.”
The trainer extended appreciation to senior actor Nasser and Rajamouli, noting, “Immense gratitude to @nasser_unmasked sir for the opportunity and @ssrajamouli sir for his acceptance.”
Kalaripayattu, practiced for centuries in Kerala, blends combat training with meditative discipline. It incorporates weapon-based combat, fluid postures modeled on animals, and acrobatic movement. The martial art has featured in several action films, including Commando (2013), Baaghi (2016), and Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025).
Varanasi brings Mahesh Babu together with Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha. The project is billed as an adventure spanning continents and timelines. Anticipation for the film rose after the release of a short video showcasing glimpses of its expansive world.
Production continues as Rajamouli prepares what industry insiders call one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects.
December 22, 2025, 13:04 IST
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