Mahesh Babu Confirms Portrayal of Lord Rama in SS Rajamouli's Epic Varanasi
In a recent revelation, superstar Mahesh Babu has officially confirmed that he plays the divine role of Lord Rama in SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated action fantasy film, Varanasi. The actor, who portrays the protagonist Rudhra in the movie, shared insights into his rigorous preparation for this iconic character, including an intensive six-month training regimen dedicated solely to perfecting two crucial running shots.
Intense Preparation for the Divine Role
Mahesh Babu emphasized the unique challenges of embodying Lord Rama, stating that it required a specific posture distinct from modern characters. To master this, director SS Rajamouli provided him with European sculptures as reference points. Mahesh meticulously studied these artworks, keeping images on his smartphone to practice the postures continuously, even during a family holiday in Germany. He humorously recalled how his subconscious practice drew curious glances from foreigners, highlighting his deep immersion into the role.
The actor's dedication extended to training in Kalari, an ancient martial art from Kerala, solely to achieve authenticity in those two running shots. Reflecting on the effort, Mahesh expressed that the transformation was profound, altering his walk, stance, and overall demeanor. He credited Rajamouli's methodical approach for making the process seamless, admitting that working on Varanasi has "spoilt" him for future projects due to the director's meticulous rehearsals that enhance action sequences and minimize injuries.
SS Rajamouli's Vision: Globalizing the Ramayana
SS Rajamouli, known for his epic storytelling, explained that Varanasi draws directly from an episode of the Ramayana, focusing on the poignant father-son relationship between Rama and Dasharatha. This theme mirrors the dynamic between Mahesh Babu's character Rudhra and Priyanka Chopra's mysterious thief, Mandakini. Rajamouli expressed confidence in making the epic accessible to global audiences by emphasizing emotional resonance over intricate mythological knowledge, ensuring viewers connect with the characters' journeys without feeling overwhelmed.
The film, also starring Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha, is set to release in cinemas on April 7 next year. With its blend of grand visuals and deep-rooted Indian mythology, Varanasi promises to be a cinematic spectacle that honors tradition while captivating audiences worldwide.
