Mahesh Babu 'drops' fee from Rs 70 Cr to Rs 50 Cr, yet bags biggest pay in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi as Rudhra! Check how

SS Rajamouli’s upcoming spectacle Varanasi has already ignited massive anticipation, featuring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles.

Even before its filming reaches full swing, the project is grabbing headlines- especially with the staggering salaries being offered to the cast. A recent buzz suggested that Priyanka Chopra Jonas has secured a mind-boggling Rs 40 crore, but there is an even bigger revelation linked to the film’s leading man.

Must Check: Varanasi casting buzz: Jr NTR’s surprising link to Mahesh Babu in Rajamouli’s TimeTrotter!

Mahesh Babu’s Mega Deal Leaves Everyone Talking

Mahesh Babu has always been among the highest-paid stars in Indian cinema, usually commanding a strong Rs 70 crore for every film, including his recent outing, Guntur Kaaram. But Varanasi demands a different league altogether.

According to insider sources, Rajamouli’s team has finalised a massive Rs 150 crore fee for Mahesh Babu. Rather than a one-time payout, the deal has been drafted to offer him Rs 50 crore per year, covering the entire three-year production stretch- from the launch of filming to its global release.

Three Years, One Film, And The Biggest Cheque Yet!

With Rajamouli’s films being cinematic events that require elongated timelines, Varanasi is expected to take three full years to complete. Mahesh Babu, who has long dreamt of collaborating with the acclaimed filmmaker, has reportedly committed exclusively to this project, refusing to sign any other film during the period. Mahesh Babu is portraying Rudhra in Varanasi and fans have already got the first glimpse of his fierce avatar.

The massive commitment appears to have been compensated with an equally massive payday. This makes Varanasi the highest-ever paying film of Mahesh Babu's career, placing him in the elite bracket alongside Prabhas, who reportedly charges similar numbers.

Also Check: R Madhavan approached for Lord Hanuman in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi? New buzz electrifies fans

Other Actors Also Cashing In Big

The money doesn’t stop with the hero. Prithviraj Sukumaran, cast as the antagonist, is said to be earning double his usual remuneration for Malayalam films, signalling the scale on which Varanasi operates.

The team has just wrapped up a schedule and is gearing up for a crucial international shoot in the coming weeks, fueling further curiosity.