Varanasi: He is a globe-trotter, he is a time-trotter

In the title poster of Varanasi , Mahesh Babu's Rudhra charges ahead on a bull, the sacred Nandi associated with Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. Adorned with red markings on its forehead and a rope around its neck, the godly hero character holds a 'trishul' with a fierce purpose. His expression is an embodiment of passion, but only SS Rajamouli knows what his mission is in this Summer 2027 release. All along, the film was referred to as 'Globe Trotter'. Rudhra is also a time-trotter and this makes the magnum opus genuinely doubly formidable. The speeches by the hero-director duo was potent with meaning. Rajamouli made it official that Rudhra is directly inspired by the Ramayana. While Ram Charan's Alluri Sitharama Raju in RRR was elevated to that status for one episode, the protagonist of Varanasi derives his mission and mythology from Sri Rama. Mahesh Babu's reference to what his father, Superstar Krishna, used to tell him, also pointed to the divine inspiration behind Varanasi. "It s my dream project; it's once-in-a-lifetime film. I will work as hard as I can and make everyone proud. The whole of an India will be proud of us when our movie releases," Mahesh said on the occasion. Varanasi, to be released in theatres in Summer 2027, has dialogues written by Deva Katta. Srinivas Mohan is the VFX Supervisor, King Solomon is the action director, and PS Vinod is the cinematographer. MM Keeravani is the music director.