Mahesh Babu’s Lord Ram look in Varanasi sparks frenzy after Andhra theatre hoarding goes viral

The excitement surrounding SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi is steadily reaching fever pitch. Headlined by Mahesh Babu and co-starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the ambitious project has already positioned itself as one of the most awaited cinematic spectacles in recent years. From the moment the makers unveiled early glimpses of the key characters, audiences were hooked.

The first looks, rich in mythic undertones and visual grandeur, ignited conversations about scale, storytelling, and Rajamouli’s trademark world-building.

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Amid this mounting buzz, a new development has further intensified the chatter.

Viral Hoarding at Andhra Theatre Sparks Speculation

A digital poster displayed at Mythri Cinemas in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, has gone viral across social media platforms. The hoarding features Mahesh Babu dressed as Lord Ram, holding a bow while overlooking the sea.

The striking visual prominently reads, "Mahesh Babu as Sri Ram", alongside the film’s logo. What has fueled speculation is the fact that the makers have not officially released this particular look.

Despite the absence of formal confirmation, the presence of the poster inside a theatre has led many fans to believe it could be an early reveal or at least a powerful fan-made tribute convincing enough to pass as official. 

Either way, the frenzy is undeniable.

Rajamouli on Casting Mahesh as Lord Ram

During the film’s title and launch event on November 15, 2025, Rajamouli confirmed that Mahesh Babu would portray Lord Ram in a significant portion of the narrative. He also revealed that the team had already filmed a Ramayana episode spanning 60 days.

Sharing his personal reaction to Mahesh’s transformation, Rajamouli said, "On the first day, when Mahesh came in Lord Rama's get-up for the photoshoot, I got goosebumps. I was torn. Mahesh has the charm of Krishna, but the calmness of Rama. Still, I was confident. I even set that photo as my wallpaper and then removed it."

Training, Precision and Dedication

During a conversation with Screen Rant Plus, Mahesh Babu disclosed that Rajamouli insisted on meticulous detailing- from posture and gait to the subtlest expressions. To embody the role authentically, the actor underwent three months of Kalaripayattu training, mastering the ancient martial art form from Kerala.

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With Prakash Raj also playing a pivotal role, Varanasi reportedly spans multiple timelines and continents. The epic is scheduled to arrive in theatres on April 7, 2027, and if the current excitement is any indication, audiences are ready for a cinematic event of monumental proportions.