Mahesh Babu's Transformative Journey to Become Lord Ram in SS Rajamouli's Epic 'Varanasi'
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu is set to captivate audiences with his portrayal of Lord Ram in the highly anticipated film 'Varanasi', directed by cinematic maestro SS Rajamouli. While the actor's primary character in the film is named Rudra, he will embody the revered deity in a significant sequence, requiring meticulous preparation that he recently detailed in an exclusive interview.
The Rigorous Process Behind Perfecting Divine Portrayal
In a revealing conversation with Screen Rant Plus, Mahesh Babu opened up about the extensive physical and mental preparation he underwent to authentically portray Lord Ram. "He (Rajamouli) has a process. There's a method to it," the actor explained, highlighting the director's systematic approach to character development.
The superstar emphasized that portraying such a sacred figure demanded absolute precision in every aspect of physical expression. "Since I was playing Lord Ram in the movie, it was important that the posture be correct, the walk should be right, and even the way the character stands needs to be perfect," Mahesh Babu elaborated, underscoring the attention to detail required for the role.
Intensive Training Regimen: From Kalari to Track Field
To achieve the desired physicality and grace, Mahesh Babu embarked on an intensive training journey that spanned several months. "The whole of last year I was prepping for that for 2 months or 3 months, you know, we had to go take kalari classes," he shared, referring to the ancient martial art form originating from Kerala.
The actor described kalari as "a very intense form of martial arts" that fundamentally transformed his physical capabilities. "When you go through that, your body opens up, and it's very easy to get into these postures," he explained, highlighting how the discipline prepared him for the demanding physical requirements of the role.
Remarkably, SS Rajamouli's commitment to authenticity extended even to Mahesh Babu's running technique. "So I trained with a track and field team for 6 months, and there would be only two shots in the film, by the way," the actor revealed, demonstrating the extraordinary dedication both actor and director brought to the project.
Passion Over Labor: The Mindset Behind the Commitment
Despite the grueling preparation, Mahesh Babu emphasized that the process felt rewarding rather than burdensome. "This was the kind of commitment I was willing to make for the movie," he stated, adding that "the whole process was fun if a person is in that mindset."
The actor shared that his passion for the project transformed what might have felt like hard work into an enjoyable creative journey. "It didn't feel like hard work because of the same," he noted, reflecting the positive collaborative environment fostered by SS Rajamouli.
'Varanasi': A Star-Studded Cinematic Spectacle
The film promises to be a visual extravaganza with an impressive ensemble cast. Alongside Mahesh Babu's dual roles as Rudra and Lord Ram, the movie features global icon Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran as the main antagonist Kumbha.
Adding to the film's prestige, Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani has created the musical score, ensuring an auditory experience to match the visual grandeur. In a significant technical achievement, SS Rajamouli announced at the title teaser launch last year that 'Varanasi' has been shot entirely in IMAX format, promising audiences an immersive cinematic experience.
Mark your calendars for April 7, 2027, when this much-anticipated film is scheduled to hit theaters, bringing together exceptional talent, groundbreaking technology, and storytelling ambition on an unprecedented scale.
