Mahesh Babu Opens Up About the 'Crushing' Confusion After Pokiri and Varanasi's Similar Impact
In a rare and candid revelation, Telugu cinema superstar Mahesh Babu has drawn a striking parallel between the overwhelming feelings he experienced after the blockbuster success of Pokiri in 2006 and the current anticipation surrounding his upcoming epic Varanasi, directed by the acclaimed SS Rajamouli. Speaking in an interview alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Babu shared insights into the psychological weight of sudden, massive success in the Indian film industry.
The Pokiri Phenomenon: A Star-Making Turn That Led to Confusion
Mahesh Babu described Pokiri as the film that fundamentally changed his career trajectory. Released on April 28, 2006, and directed by Puri Jagannadh, Pokiri was a seismic shift in Telugu cinema. Made on a reported budget of Rs 10-12 crore, it collected over Rs 70 crores worldwide, a staggering figure at the time, and became the highest-grossing Telugu film of its era, running for 100 days in many centers.
Babu's portrayal of Pandu introduced an urban coolness to mass cinema, replacing the loud machismo of earlier heroes with a character who delivered devastating one-liners with a half-smile. However, this success came with a heavy price. "I literally got confused after that. I didn't know what to do," Babu admitted, highlighting the immense pressure to meet skyrocketing audience expectations. He explained that the film's impact left him in a space where he felt uncertain about his next moves, a sentiment that resonates with many artists facing sudden fame.
The Aftermath: Struggling to Recapture Lightning in a Bottle
The post-Pokiri phase was challenging for Mahesh Babu. Despite earlier hits like Okkadu (2003) and Athadu (2005), Pokiri elevated him to a different stratosphere, where every subsequent project had to match or exceed its success. Films like Sainikudu (2006), Athidhi (2007), and Khaleja (2010) struggled to connect with audiences, reflecting the pressure to replicate the magic. It wasn't until Dookudu in 2011, five years later, that Babu found his footing again, blending mass appeal with family entertainment.
The influence of Pokiri extended beyond Telugu cinema, with successful remakes in Tamil as Pokkiri starring Vijay (2007), in Hindi as Wanted with Salman Khan (2009), and in Kannada as Porki (2010), cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Varanasi: Repeating History with a New Epic
Now, with Varanasi, Mahesh Babu is experiencing similar overwhelming emotions. This globe-trotting adventure, filmed across continents under the direction of SS Rajamouli, has evoked feelings he hasn't felt since Pokiri. Babu emphasized, "Every film changes your mindset, but nothing like what I'm experiencing right now with this film. I mean, it's something else." This comparison underscores the scale and anticipation surrounding Varanasi, which many believe could elevate Babu from star to legend.
In the interview, when prompted by Priyanka Chopra Jonas about films that changed him, Babu's response was telling: "Pokiri made me a star... but nothing like what I'm experiencing right now with this film." This highlights how Varanasi represents not just another project, but a potential career-defining moment that mirrors the transformative impact of Pokiri.
Understanding the Pressure of Success in Indian Cinema
Mahesh Babu's reflections shed light on a rarely discussed aspect of stardom in Indian cinema: the crushing weight of expectations after a breakthrough success. His journey from the confusion post-Pokiri to the renewed pressure with Varanasi illustrates the cyclical nature of fame and the constant drive to innovate and impress. As Babu navigates this new chapter, his candidness offers a glimpse into the psychological challenges faced by top-tier actors in an industry driven by box office numbers and fan adulation.
With Varanasi poised for release, all eyes are on Mahesh Babu to see if this epic will indeed repeat history, not just in terms of success, but in its profound personal impact on one of Telugu cinema's most beloved stars.
