Mahesh Babu has described working with SS Rajamouli on Varanasi as “very, very easy”, despite being warned by actor friends that the filmmaker’s demanding working style would make the experience difficult. The actor made the remarks during a recent podcast discussion about the long-awaited project.
“To be very honest, it has been very, very easy working with Rajamouli.”
Mahesh said the experience changed once he entered the Varanasi sets. He credited Rajamouli’s rehearsals, detailed preparation and clear direction for making the filming process enjoyable, adding that he has become so accustomed to the system that moving on to another project could feel difficult. Samayam Telugu
Mahesh Babu recalls a 15-year wait
The actor also revealed that his collaboration with Rajamouli had been discussed about 15 years earlier, after Magadheera. Mahesh recalled visiting the director at his home and telling him that he wanted to work together. Rajamouli told him that he had two commitments to complete first, but the proposed collaboration eventually took roughly 15 years to materialise.
Mahesh said some actor friends had warned him that working with Rajamouli would be especially tough. His experience on Varanasi, however, has been different, with the actor pointing to the director’s preparation and rehearsal process as reasons the shoot has felt structured and manageable.
The film, which was earlier widely referred to as SSMB29, is officially titled Varanasi. Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha. Rajamouli has officially set the worldwide theatrical release for April 7, 2027.