Home > Entertainment > Fact Check | Viral Image Claims Mahesh Babu as Lord Rama in Rajamouli’s Varanasi: Real or Edited?

Fact Check | Viral Image Claims Mahesh Babu as Lord Rama in Rajamouli’s Varanasi: Real or Edited?

A viral poster claiming to show Mahesh Babu as Lord Rama in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi has sparked massive online buzz, but its authenticity remains unconfirmed.

By: Nisha Srivastava
Last Updated: February 22, 2026 13:54:21 IST

Just a silhouette with saffron robes, a bow, and arrows, and a divine expression was enough to create a buzz on the internet. A poster claiming to be of Mahesh Babu as Lord Rama in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi has gone viral on social media. But the question remains – is this poster true or false?

Viral Poster Claiming Mahesh Babu’s Lord Rama Look Explained

The speculation began on Saturday when an X (formerly Twitter) page named Always Bollywood shared the image. The post claimed that it showed Mahesh Babu’s look from Varanasi and alleged that the poster had appeared on Mythri Cinemas’ digital theatre hoarding in Guntur.

The caption read, “#MaheshBabu ‘s Lord Ram look from the film #Varanasi has surfaced on Mythri Cinemas’ digital theatre hoarding in Guntur. The viral poster hints at the actor’s intense preparation and the film’s epic narrative under SS Rajamouli’s direction.”

The image quickly spread across platforms, drawing massive attention from fans and movie watchers.

What Does the Viral Image Show?

The poster features a powerful silhouette of Mahesh Babu standing on a cliff. He appears to be dressed in saffron robes traditionally associated with Lord Rama. The figure is shown holding a bow, with a quiver of arrows strapped to his back, and a rudraksh mala in his hand.

The visual design, lighting, and posture gave the image a mythological and epic feel, leading many fans to believe it could be an official reveal.

Is the Mahesh Babu Lord Rama Poster Real or Fan-Made?

Despite the excitement, several fans raised doubts about the poster’s authenticity. Many pointed out that there has been no official confirmation from the makers of Varanasi. Considering the scale of the film and the hype around Mahesh Babu’s role, it seems unlikely that such a major character reveal would happen casually without a formal announcement.

Even X’s AI tool Grok described the image as a leaked hoarding photo rather than an officially released poster. So far, neither the production house nor director SS Rajamouli has confirmed the viral look.

Official Details About SS Rajamouli’s Film Varanasi

In November 2025, SS Rajamouli officially unveiled the title and concept of Varanasi at a grand event held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. A three-minute concept video was released, showcasing the film’s ambitious scale.

The director confirmed that parts of the story are set in the Treta Yuga. Mahesh Babu will reportedly portray Lord Rama in flashback sequences. The film blends science fiction elements with episodes inspired by the Ramayana, making it one of the most ambitious Indian films ever planned.

Star Cast and Release Date of Varanasi

Apart from Mahesh Babu, the film also stars Priyanka Chopra, marking her return to Indian cinema. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the main antagonist. Varanasi is being made on a massive budget and is expected to span multiple timelines and locations across continents. The film is scheduled to release in theatres in April 2027.

Why the Viral Poster of Varanasi Has Fueled Massive Hype

Even though the authenticity of the image remains unverified, the viral poster has successfully boosted excitement around Varanasi. With more than a year left for release, the film is already dominating online discussions.

Until the makers officially confirm or deny the image, Mahesh Babu’s alleged Lord Rama look remains a mystery. But in today’s social media age, even an unconfirmed silhouette is enough to set the internet on fire.

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