Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu is currently immersed in the most ambitious project of his career: SS Rajamouli's time-travel adventure film, Varanasi. Known for pushing cinematic boundaries, Rajamouli is ensuring his lead actor is fully equipped for the complex demands of the role. As part of this intense preparation, Mahesh Babu is undergoing rigorous training in the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu, a discipline rooted in the combat traditions of Kerala.

The dedication shown by the actor has already earned high praise from his trainer, who found the experience of teaching a global star to be profoundly moving and inspiring.

Embracing the Ancient Art of Kalaripayattu

Mahesh Babu, who is set to play the fierce character named Rudhra in the film, has been diligently practicing Kalaripayattu under the tutelage of Hyderabad-based trainer Hari Krish. Kalaripayattu, often hailed as the "mother of all martial arts," involves fluid movements, strikes, kicks, and the use of traditional weapons, demanding immense agility, flexibility, and physical discipline.

The inclusion of this ancient Indian martial art strongly hints that Varanasi will feature highly stylized and culturally authentic action sequences, a hallmark of Rajamouli's cinematic vision. The training is an integral part of transforming the actor into the formidable hero required for the epic globetrotting adventure.

Trainer Hari Krish: Inspired by the Superstar

Kalaripayattu trainer Hari Krish took to his social media to share his overwhelming experience of training one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. His posts expressed a sense of pride and humility, highlighting the unexpected nature of this collaboration.

He wrote, “I never thought my journey would lead me to train a global star of Indian cinema on Kalaripayattu.” Going further, Krish offered high praise for his dedicated student: “Feeling proud and truly blessed to have trained @urstrulymahesh sir in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu. His lifestyle, aura, and hospitality are deeply inspiring.”

Such genuine commendation from a professional trainer underscores the dedication and discipline Mahesh Babu brings to his craft, even amidst his superstar status. It reassures fans that the actor is committing fully to the physical transformation and mastery required for a demanding Rajamouli protagonist.

Varanasi: A Project of Global Scale

Varanasi, which is Rajamouli's first film after the Oscar-winning success of RRR, is generating global buzz and is reportedly being mounted on a massive budget. The film, which also stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is an epic mythological action-adventure spanning continents and time periods.

Mahesh Babu himself has previously described the film as a "dream project" and a "once-in-a-lifetime project," promising to make his director and the entire country proud. The intensity of his Kalaripayattu training confirms that the physical action in Varanasi will be rooted in rich Indian traditions, giving the film a distinctive edge on the international stage.

With the combination of Rajamouli's vision, Mahesh Babu’s commitment to mastering the ancient martial art, and a massive production scale, Varanasi is shaping up to be an unparalleled cinematic event.
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