Reports linking Mahesh Babu and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have sparked fresh discussion about the actor’s next film after Varanasi. Recent entertainment reports say Bhansali met Mahesh and narrated a story, but the actor, filmmaker and their teams have not officially confirmed a project.
The proposed film has been described in reports as a large-scale project in the period-drama space associated with Bhansali. Some reports also suggest it is being considered as a pan-India film. Those details remain unconfirmed, with no announced title, cast, producer, shooting schedule or release date. What is known about the reported Mahesh Babu-Bhansali meeting Recent reports say Bhansali has been considering collaborations with major Telugu stars and has previously been linked with Allu Arjun, Jr NTR and Ram Charan.
The latest reports place Mahesh Babu in those discussions and say a story narration has taken place. There is no confirmation that Mahesh has accepted the story or committed dates to a Bhansali film. At this stage, the reported interaction appears to be an early discussion rather than a signed and announced project. Varanasi remains Mahesh Babu’s confirmed priority Mahesh is currently working with SS Rajamouli on Varanasi, which also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Rajamouli announced April 7, 2027 as the film’s theatrical release date earlier this year. Any possible collaboration with Bhansali would therefore come after Mahesh completes his commitments to Varanasi. Reports also indicate that the timing of his next film will depend on the progress of the Rajamouli production. Bhansali, meanwhile, has Love and War under production, with current film listings placing its release on January 21, 2027.
Until Mahesh Babu or Bhansali formally announces a project together, the reported meeting and story narration remain the basis of the current collaboration rumours.