**Varanasi:** Filmmaker **SS Rajamouli** has revealed that the landscapes of Africa played a major role in shaping the visual scale of his upcoming film *Varanasi*. According to the director, filming across locations such as the **Masai Mara and the areas surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro** offered visuals that would have been extremely difficult to reproduce on a constructed set.

Rajamouli shared the behind-the-scenes insight on Sunday while celebrating the 51st birthday of the film's lead star **Mahesh Babu**. Along with his birthday message, the filmmaker released two new images featuring Babu from the movie's Africa schedule.

## Mahesh Babu's Rudhra Gets a Rugged New Look

The newly released pictures show Mahesh Babu in a noticeably rugged appearance, with a beard and outdoor clothing that reflects the film's adventurous setting.

One image places his character **Rudhra** against the vast African wilderness, with animals including zebras and giraffes visible in the background. The second photograph shows the actor seated on a bamboo platform surrounded by thick greenery, offering a quieter glimpse of his character.

Rajamouli highlighted that Rudhra is not defined only by his strength. The character is expected to have several contrasting emotional qualities, including humour, vulnerability and determination.

The director believes Mahesh Babu has brought these different shades together, allowing Rudhra to appear both powerful and emotionally vulnerable.

## Why Africa Became Important for Varanasi

The decision to film in Africa appears to have been an important part of Rajamouli's visual approach for *Varanasi*. The director has suggested that the natural landscapes offered a scale and atmosphere that could not be convincingly recreated inside a studio.

The Masai Mara and the region around Mount Kilimanjaro provided vast natural backdrops for the production. The enormous landscapes also allowed the filmmakers to capture the environment on a scale suited to the film's ambitious cinematic presentation.

Rajamouli's comments indicate that some of the Africa footage left such a strong impression on the filmmaker that even the large **1.43:1 IMAX format** seemed limited compared with the real-world landscapes in front of the camera.

## What Is Varanasi About?

*Varanasi* is being presented as a large-scale adventure involving **time travel and elements connected to the Ramayana**.

Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, an adventurer whose journey takes him across different parts of the world and through different periods of time. His mission involves finding a powerful artefact that could have devastating consequences if it reaches the wrong hands.

The story combines mythology, adventure, action and fantasy, making *Varanasi* one of the most ambitious projects in Rajamouli's filmography.

## Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran Join the Cast

The film features a major international cast alongside Mahesh Babu. **Priyanka Chopra** is part of the project, while **Prithviraj Sukumaran** is set to appear as the antagonist.

The music is being composed by **MM Keeravani**, who has worked with Rajamouli on several major projects. Their previous collaborations include films such as *Baahubali* and *RRR*, with Keeravani's work on *RRR* earning international recognition.

## Varanasi Release Date

The production of *Varanasi* has entered its final phase, with the film currently scheduled to arrive in cinemas in **April 2027**.

With its combination of mythology, time travel, international locations and a large-scale visual presentation, the film is already attracting considerable attention among Indian cinema audiences.

The Africa schedule, particularly the footage captured around the Masai Mara and Mount Kilimanjaro, is expected to add another distinctive visual layer to Rajamouli's ambitious cinematic world.