Mahesh Babu leaves for Georgia shoot of SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, gets sweet send-off from wife Namrata and daughter Sitara

Mahesh Babu leaves for Georgia shoot of SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, gets sweet send-off from wife Namrata and daughter Sitara

• Mahesh Babu leaves for Georgia to shoot Rajamouli's Varanasi
• Namrata and daughter Sitara give Mahesh a sweet airport send-off
• "Varanasi" with Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj, out April 2027

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Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu was spotted at the airport in the early hours of Tuesday as he left for Georgia to begin a major shooting schedule of his much-anticipated film, tentatively titled Varanasi. The actor, known for keeping his public appearances understated, was accompanied by his wife Namrata Shirodkar and their daughter Sitara Ghattamaneni, who came to see him off before his departure.

Dressed in an all-black outfit, Mahesh kept his travel look simple yet sharp, pairing a black jacket with matching jeans and a cap. His relaxed body language and calm smile did not go unnoticed as he walked towards the terminal with his family by his side. Despite the early hour, the brief appearance quickly made its way online, with fans circulating pictures and videos across social media platforms.

Namrata opted for a clean and minimal look, choosing a white T-shirt styled with jeans and her hair neatly tied in a bun. Sitara, meanwhile, blended comfort with chic in a striped shirt paired with bootcut jeans, keeping her airport look effortless. The trio appeared at ease, sharing a quiet family moment before Mahesh headed inside to board his flight.

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According to industry buzz, the Georgia leg of the shoot will focus on important action sequences and pivotal scenes. Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran is playing the chief antagonist in the film, adding to the scale and intensity of the project. Nearly 50 percent of the movie has already been completed, making this overseas schedule a crucial phase in its production timeline.

Directed by SS Rajamouli, Varanasi boasts an ensemble cast that includes Priyanka Chopra Jonas, marking her much-talked-about return to Indian cinema. The film’s music is being composed by MM Keeravani. With Rajamouli at the helm, expectations are naturally sky-high, especially after the filmmaker’s global success in recent years.

The first look of the film was unveiled in November 2025 at a grand event held at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City. The three-minute glimpse combined sci-fi elements with episodes inspired by the Ramayana, offering a larger-than-life visual experience. Mahesh Babu stars in the lead role, while Priyanka will reportedly be seen in a fierce character named Mandakini. Prithviraj Sukumaran steps into a powerful antagonist role.

Mounted on a massive budget, Varanasi is slated for release in April 2027. As Mahesh begins this important international schedule, fans are eagerly waiting for more updates from the sets of what is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects.