Mahesh Babu's rare habit: Rajamouli says Varanasi star follows one discipline 'we should all learn from it'

Indian cinema is gearing up for one of its biggest collaborations as SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu have teamed up for a big project also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. On November 15, the makers officially revealed the title - Varanasi, and launched Mahesh Babu’s first look at a grand event in Hyderabad. The main cast appeared together, generating massive excitement for the film’s Summer 2027 release. Amid all the buzz, it was the director's remark about the Telugu superstar’s discipline that grabbed everyone’s attention.

What is Mahesh Babu's rare habit on set?

The event marked a full-scale celebration for fans and film lovers. During the announcement, SS Rajamouli highlighted a personal trait of Mahesh Babu that impressed him deeply. According to the Baahubali director, Mahesh Babu follows a habit that is extremely rare in today’s digital world.



He shared that the actor never touches his mobile phone during work hours. Rajamouli further added that when the actor arrives on set or at the office, he puts his phone aside and focuses fully on work for eight hours straight, checking it only after shooting ends. Describing it as a trait worth emulating, SS Rajamouli said everyone could benefit from Mahesh Babu’s level of concentration and self-discipline.

More about Globe Trotter now titled Varanasi

Apart from this revelation, Varanasi itself became the star of the evening. Mahesh Babu will be seen in the role of a character named Rudhra, and the title teaser hinted at a visually ambitious world that spans across different time periods and geographical settings. The film also appears to carry spiritual and mythological undertones — a trademark of Rajamouli’s storytelling style.

The launch turned into a festival-like celebration as thousands of fans gathered to witness the first glimpse. The teaser was featured on a mammoth 110-by-130-foot screen, surrounded by replicas of Varanasi city. It was a huge star-studded affair and cinematic moment for the fans.


The collaboration between Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli comes at a time when the Telugu film industry is enjoying global attention. Known for its high-octane action, mythic narratives and grand scale, Tollywood has carved its own identity beyond Bollywood. Much of this transformation is credited to SS Rajamouli, whose Baahubali franchise and the Academy Award-winning blockbuster RRR introduced the world to Telugu cinema.

Mahesh Babu, meanwhile, continues to command a devoted fan base that stretches far beyond regional boundaries. With Varanasi bringing together a superstar cast, a visionary filmmaker and a larger-than-life premise, expectations are sky-high. And if the scale of the launch event is any indication, the film is set to be one of the biggest cinematic spectacles in recent years.

During the event in Hyderabad, music composer MM Keeravani confirmed that the film Varanasi will be released in Summer 2027.