Mahesh Babu's Grueling Preparation for SS Rajamouli's Epic Varanasi
In the world of Indian cinema, director SS Rajamouli is renowned for his uncompromising pursuit of perfection, and his upcoming magnum opus Varanasi is no exception. Leading actor Mahesh Babu has recently opened up about the extensive and demanding training regimen he underwent to embody the film's dual roles of the mortal Rudhra and the divine Lord Ram—a challenge he describes as the most formidable of his illustrious career.
Months of Specialized Kalaripayattu Training
The preparation journey began with an intensive focus on Kerala's ancient martial art form, Kalaripayattu. Originally scheduled for a six-week period, the training was significantly extended to a rigorous three-month program. According to Kalaripayattu trainer Hari Krishna, Mahesh Babu dedicated approximately 90 minutes each day to mastering traditional Kerala-style techniques.
The sessions were meticulously designed to enhance the actor's physical capabilities for the demanding roles. Particular emphasis was placed on vadivu postures, especially the mayura vadivu (peacock posture), which requires exceptional balance, flexibility, and bodily control. This specialized training aimed not only at achieving authentic movement but also at improving overall agility and comprehensive body conditioning.
Six Months of Track-and-Field for Just Two Shots
Beyond the martial arts training, Mahesh Babu's commitment extended to an astonishing six months of track-and-field preparation. Remarkably, this extensive effort was dedicated to perfecting just two shots that appear in the final film. The actor himself reflected on this extraordinary level of dedication, stating, "Even though only two shots made it into the film, that was the level of commitment I brought to the role—it was totally worth it."
He further elaborated on the specific demands of portraying Lord Ram, explaining, "I'm playing Lord Ram, and the role demanded a certain posture—you can't stand like a modern character. I trained in Kalaripayattu for three months to get that right, and also trained with a track-and-field team for six months."
SS Rajamouli's Vision: Why IMAX Was Essential
Director SS Rajamouli simultaneously revealed his artistic reasoning behind shooting Varanasi in the expansive IMAX format. He explained that the narrative's monumental scale inherently demanded this larger cinematic canvas. "When we began designing the worlds of Varanasi—and I say worlds because the story travels across different realms—we realized it was essential to capture their grandeur," Rajamouli stated.
The filmmaker specifically highlighted two key sequences that influenced this technical decision: "The Ramayana portions and the Antarctica sequences are very tall and vertical in nature, and to do justice to that scale, IMAX was the obvious choice. It best aligned with our vision." This choice underscores Rajamouli's commitment to creating an immersive visual experience that matches the epic scope of the story's mythological and geographical landscapes.
A New Benchmark in Cinematic Preparation
The combined revelations from both actor and director paint a picture of extraordinary dedication to cinematic excellence. Mahesh Babu's physical transformation through months of specialized training demonstrates a rare commitment to authenticity, while SS Rajamouli's technical choices reflect his signature ambition to push visual storytelling boundaries.
This collaborative effort between one of India's most celebrated directors and a leading superstar sets a new benchmark for preparation in Indian filmmaking. As anticipation builds for Varanasi, these insights into the behind-the-scenes dedication suggest audiences can expect a visually spectacular and physically authentic cinematic experience that honors both mythological tradition and modern filmmaking ambition.
