# Varanasi nears the finish line as talk grows over Mahesh Babu's next film

Published 2026-09-28T09:54:35Z

> Producer SS Karthikeya says Mahesh Babu's Varanasi has only four to five days of shooting left, while reports linking the star to Lokesh Kanagaraj or Sandeep Reddy Vanga remain unconfirmed.

SS Rajamouli's Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, is in its final stretch. SS Karthikeya, one of the film's producers, said only four to five days of shooting remain before the film is complete. He added that post-production is running alongside the shoot at a quick pace, and that the team hopes to wrap up all the work by January next year.

Karthikeya gave the update at a pre-release event for his next production, Don't Trouble the Trouble, which has Fahadh Faasil in the lead. According to reports, Varanasi is set for a worldwide IMAX release on April 7 next year. Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran also star, M M Keeravani has composed the music, and Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business are producing.

Mahesh plays Rudhra, Prithviraj plays the villain Kumbha and Priyanka Chopra plays Mandakini. Two stills released on Mahesh's birthday last year showed Rudhra resting on a bamboo raft in thick jungle, and standing among giraffes on the plains of Kenya's Maasai Mara. The film is reportedly a globe-trotting epic that spans a century and follows one man from India's sacred waters to the wildest corners of the earth. Rajamouli has called Rudhra witty, vulnerable and fierce, and said the Africa schedule around Kilimanjaro and the Maasai Mara gave the team something no set could.

With his own portions reportedly finished, Mahesh is said to be enjoying a break, and fans have already turned to what comes next. Reports linking him to Tamil director Lokesh Kanagaraj have spread widely in recent days, but there is reportedly no firm confirmation yet. Lokesh is currently busy with script and pre-production work on Allu Arjun's next film.

Mahesh has also reportedly held several discussions with Sandeep Reddy Vanga about working together. That pairing has been talked about for a long time, but Vanga already has a number of commitments lined up, so it may take a while to happen. For now, Mahesh's film after Varanasi has not been officially announced, and both names remain speculation.

## Related titles
- [Vāranāsi](https://clapnumber.com/movies/varanasi)

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Source: https://clapnumber.com/news/varanasi-nears-the-finish-line-as-talk-grows-over-mahesh-babus-next-film
Retrieved: 2026-09-28