Varanasi, Globetrotter event Live Updates: Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra in SS Rajamouli time travel film; celebs praise first glimpse

Rajamouli said, "Since my childhood, I’ve spoken many times about what the Ramayana and Mahabharata mean to me, and how making them is my dream project. I never imagined I would get to shoot an important episode from the Ramayana this early. While writing every scene and every dialogue, I felt like I was floating. On the first day, when Mahesh came in Lord Rama’s get-up for the photoshoot, I got goosebumps. I was torn. Mahesh has the charm of Krishna, but the calmness of Rama. Still, I was confident. I even set that photo as my wallpaper… and then removed it."

He added, "We shot this sequence for 60 days, and we completed it recently. Every single day was a challenge. Every episode and sub-episode felt like a film by itself, everything had to be reimagined and freshly planned. Crossing all those hurdles, we finally wrapped the sequence. I believe it will be one of the most memorable portions of the film."

The makers finally unveiled the teaser of Varanasi. It opens with visuals of an ancient land ruled by the wild, followed by glimpses of Hindu deities like Maa Kali and Hanuman, before revealing Mahesh Babu riding a bull. On X, SS Rajamouli also shared a new poster from the film, announcing that Mahesh Babu will play the character of Rudhra.

SS Rajamouli said, "Firstly, I would like to thank the Rachakonda Police Department. KL Narayan garu, thank you for bringing Mahesh and me together. Usually, before my films, I hold a press meet and narrate the story - it became a tradition. But actually, I don’t do that for every film. For 'Baahubali', I didn’t. If there is scope, we will; if not, we won’t. For this film, we won’t. But we wanted to release an announcement video to set the expectations right. We planned it for March but couldn’t. Then the rains came… and now, on November 14, we are finally coming with that video. It’s becoming difficult to keep referring to it as “this film” without revealing the title."

Lauding Superstar Krishna, he said, "I didn’t know much about the greatness of Superstar Krishna garu earlier. I was a fan of NTR garu, but after entering the industry, I understood Krishna garu’s legacy. To introduce a new technology, you must break many norms, and he did that with multiple films. Today, I am proud to say we are introducing a new format to Telugu cinema: a premium large-scale format, filmed for IMAX. You might think, “Aren’t there already IMAX films?” The ones we usually watch are blown-up versions of the CinemaScope print. But a few films, like 'Baahubali' and 'RRR', were actually shot, mastered, and VFX-finished specifically for the format. This film too is being created for IMAX in the truest sense."

She said, "Prithvi, you are very scary in the movie, terrifying, but in real life, you are the complete opposite. So, thank you so much for your wonderful kindness. Rajamouli Sir, all I will say is, you are truly the visionary who has brought Indian cinema to the global audience like no one else. So thank you so much for choosing me as your Mandakini."

Prithviraj Sukumaran lauded his co-stars Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra at the event. While he praised Mahesh Babu’s stardom, he also called Priyanka’s performance in the Bollywood film Barfi “one of the greatest.”

Co-producer SS Karthikeya, son of SS Rajamouli and Rama Rajamouli, said, "I thought I would start by making small films, slowly grow as a producer, and eventually make a film with a star. I imagined it might take me 15 years. But things have turned out differently, and today my first speech itself is on a global platform. I feel small because everyone involved in this film is a legend, and I feel blessed. I don’t know if I’m worthy of this, but thank you, everyone. This is a small and humble step to take Indian cinema global and to bring the global audience closer to India. To be doing this in our own city makes me very happy. I’m very thankful to KL Narayan garu for waiting 15 years and standing with us as a co-producer on this film."

Bhushan Kumar, managing director of T-Series, at the event, spoke at the event and said, “I just read the name SS Rajamouli. I can’t wait to see the visuals.”

Varanasi producer SL Narayan called Mahesh Babu a “producer’s actor,” praising his patience and dedication to the film. He also applauded SS Rajamouli, noting that despite the massive success of films like Baahubali and RRR, he remains a simple and deeply committed filmmaker.

Narayan thanked Priyanka Chopra for accepting the film and giving it her all, and expressed gratitude to Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani for agreeing to helm the music. He also lauded Prithviraj Sukumaran for taking on the villain’s role.

Priyanka Chopra arrived at the Globetrotter event in a stunning all-white lehenga, drawing cheers as the host welcomed her on behalf of Telugu fans. She walked in with grace, waving to the crowd, before warmly greeting MM Keeravani, Namrata Shirodkar, and Mahesh Babu’s daughter Sitara with a hug.

Fans have taken to social media to praise Mahesh Babu’s intense first look from SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi. In the clip showcased at the event, the actor is seen riding a bull with blood dripping from the corner of his lip and little bit splattered across his face. He also wields a trishul as he charges forward — the bull being the vahana of Lord Shiva according to Hindu mythology.

A fan on X (formerly Twitter) shared that filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s family has arrived at the venue and has been seated in the front section near the stage.

Many fans have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to show the passport-style passes for the event. Earlier, SS Rajamouli had clarified that only individuals with these passes would be allowed inside the venue. Fans also shared the instructions printed on the passes, which mention the designated entry gates, restrict entry for those below 15, and urge attendees to follow directions and maintain discipline at the event.

Priyanka Chopra, who plays the lead role of Mandakini in SS Rajamouli’s film, shared an Instagram story from her car revealing that she was on her way to the event. She also promised fans behind-the-scenes glimpses from the evening. “Make sure you bring your passports and that you are safe. See you there. I will kkeep you posted on all the background stuff,” she said. She also shared a photo of the massive structure at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City.

Mahesh Babu, who plays the lead role in SS Rajamouli’s tentatively titled film Globe Trotter, took to Instagram to remember his father, the late legendary actor-director Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy. He shared a throwback photo of himself with his father on a film set and wrote, “Thinking of you a little more today and knowing you’d be proud Nanna.”