SS Rajamouli's next big project, Varanasi, is already one of the most anticipated Indian films. After delivering blockbuster films such as Baahubali and RRR, the filmmaker is now working with Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu on this ambitious project.

The film is reportedly being made on a massive budget of around ₹1,200 crore to ₹1,300 crore and is scheduled to release in 2027. Now, a new report has revealed an interesting detail about Mahesh Babu's character and his transformation for the film.

Mahesh Babu reportedly plays a 24-year-old

According to a report by Telugu 360, Mahesh Babu will reportedly appear as a 24-year-old in some portions of Varanasi.

What has reportedly made this transformation particularly interesting is that the makers did not rely on AI or VFX to digitally de-age the actor for these scenes.

Instead, Mahesh Babu underwent a physical and styling transformation to portray the younger version of his character.

The report claims that his appearance in these portions of the film could surprise audiences.

Mahesh Babu underwent a major makeover

Mahesh Babu is reportedly sporting one of his fittest and most stylish looks for Varanasi.

The actor is said to have undergone a significant physical and appearance-related transformation before beginning work on the film. The younger version of his character required a different look, and the team reportedly worked on his appearance accordingly.

While the makers have not officially revealed the complete character details, the reported 24-year-old appearance has already generated curiosity among fans.

Shooting is reportedly nearing completion

A significant portion of Varanasi has already been filmed.

According to the information provided, around 80% of the project has been completed. Mahesh Babu has reportedly finished most of his major portions and is currently working on the remaining requirements, including his introduction sequence.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran are also expected to be involved in the introduction sequence.

Rajamouli has previously indicated that editing and filming are progressing simultaneously, allowing the team to work on post-production while principal photography continues.

Mahesh Babu has reportedly started dubbing

The latest report also claims that Mahesh Babu has completed his shooting commitments for Varanasi and has moved on to dubbing his portions.

The makers are reportedly aiming to complete the remaining shoot before October, after which the production will move deeper into the post-production phase.

Background-score work has also begun, with composer M.M. Keeravani working on the music for the project.

Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran are part of the cast

Varanasi features a major international and Indian cast.

Alongside Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran are playing important roles.

The combination of Rajamouli's direction and this ensemble cast has made the film a major talking point even before its release.

A ₹1,200-crore-plus cinematic spectacle

Varanasi is reportedly being mounted on a budget of approximately ₹1,200 crore to ₹1,300 crore, making it one of the most ambitious Indian productions.

The scale of the project, its international cast and Rajamouli's track record have contributed significantly to the anticipation surrounding the film.

The makers are also reportedly focusing heavily on post-production and visual presentation to match the scale of the story.

When will Varanasi release?

Varanasi is scheduled to arrive in theatres on April 7, 2027.

With filming reportedly nearing completion, post-production already underway and Mahesh Babu's younger look becoming a major talking point, fans are now waiting for the makers to officially reveal more about the character and the film's story.

If the reports about Mahesh Babu portraying a 24-year-old are accurate, his first official look from that portion of the film could become one of the project's biggest talking points.