Rajamouli's Varanasi Features 20-Minute Ramayana Segment with Mahesh as Lord Rama

The Master storyteller S.S. Rajamouli is bringing back the grand mythological touch to Telugu cinema with his ambitious project Varanasi, and the latest revelation has sent excitement soaring among fans. Producer Karthikeya, one of the film's producers and Rajamouli's son, disclosed at a promotional event in Mexico that the film will feature a substantial 20-minute segment based on the Ramayana, with Mahesh Babu essaying the role of Lord Rama.

This announcement reinforces Rajamouli's vision of weaving mythological elements into contemporary storytelling, much like how director Nag Ashwin brilliantly incorporated Mahabharata sequences in Kalki 2898 AD. The director had earlier confirmed that Varanasi would showcase scenes from the Treta Yuga era, but the specific duration and treatment details were kept under wraps until now.

Karthikeya's revelation during the Mexico event provides fascinating insights into the film's ambitious scope. He emphasized that the mythological sequences will be visually spectacular, staying true to Rajamouli's reputation for creating cinematic magic. The Ramayana episode has reportedly already been completed during the earlier phases of production, with the film unit expressing their amazement at witnessing Mahesh Babu's portrayal of the revered deity.

Currently, the production team is shooting sequences set against the backdrop of Antarctica, showcasing the film's multi-timeline narrative structure. This ambitious approach aligns with the concept video released last year, which hinted at the story spanning different eras and time periods.

Rajamouli's decision to dedicate such significant screen time to mythological content reflects his understanding of Telugu audiences' deep connection with epics. While full-scale mythological films have become rare in recent decades, strategic incorporation of such elements in contemporary narratives has proven successful, as evidenced by Kalki's reception.

Produced by senior filmmaker K.L. Narayana, Varanasi is scheduled for a massive global release on April 7 next year. With Rajamouli's track record and Mahesh Babu's pan-India appeal, this mythological segment could become one of the film's major highlights, potentially setting new benchmarks for how modern Telugu cinema can respectfully and grandly present our ancient epics.