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SS Rajamouli's upcoming Varanasi, featuring Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra, is among the most anticipated projects in the industry.
Speculations have been circulating for months, and now, following the official announcement, fans are even more eager to witness the original cast come together to create magic on the big screen. Mahesh Babu is undergoing Kalaripayattu training for the film with a trainer from Hyderabad, Hari Krishna, who recently shared some insights about the movie in an interview.
Mahesh Babu Trains in Kalaripayattu for SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi
In a discussion with Hindustan Times, Hari revealed details about training Babu in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu for his forthcoming film, Varanasi. He mentioned, "I had trained Mahesh sir last year but was instructed not to disclose it at that time. He would visit the academy intermittently for months…I believe Rajamouli sir’s team obtained my contact through him."
Additionally, he stated, "I did not provide him with any weapon training; most of the focus was on enhancing his body agility. The Ashta Vadivu (eight animal postures) will aid in improving his stances. He had watched YouTube videos in advance, so he was aware of what to expect. He also possessed a solid understanding of fitness overall. The original plan was for me to train him for two months, but he enjoyed it so much that he extended it by a few days."
More About Varanasi
"Kalaripayattu was just one of the many disciplines he is now proficient in. From what I understand, the film will not feature scenes of Mahesh sir explicitly practicing martial arts, but it is intended to enhance his agility and flexibility for whatever is in store. I am nearly half his age, yet he was incredibly respectful and adhered to all my instructions," Hari concluded.
SS Rajamouli's Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is set to be released for Sankranthi 2027.
