06 July,2026 02:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mahesh Babu (Picture via X)
A leaked image claiming to show Mahesh Babu as Lord Ram from SS Rajamouli's upcoming magnum opus Varanasi has taken social media by storm, triggering intense discussion among fans. The picture, which first surfaced on Reddit and quickly spread across X and other platforms, features the Telugu superstar dressed in yellow attire with a bow, leading many to believe it represents Lord Ram during his exile. However, neither the filmmakers nor the production team have confirmed whether the image is genuine.
As the image went viral, fans began comparing Mahesh Babu's alleged look to Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. The comparison sparked debates online, with many users discussing which actor better fits the iconic mythological character. While some praised Mahesh's calm and regal appearance, others urged fans to wait for an official reveal before drawing conclusions.
However, now the fans have clarified that the image is fan-made and not related to Varanasi. Neither is his actual look for the film out from the sets in recent times.
The discussion gained momentum because Varanasi has remained one of Indian cinema's most closely guarded projects. Directed by SS Rajamouli, the ambitious film reportedly blends mythology with a globe-trotting adventure spanning multiple timelines. Rajamouli has previously confirmed that Mahesh Babu portrays Lord Ram during an important sequence set in the Treta Yuga, but the makers have intentionally kept his complete look under wraps.
Online reactions have been mixed. While several fans celebrated the image and admired Mahesh's transformation, many Reddit users questioned its authenticity, suggesting it appeared AI-generated or fan-made. Others noted that without confirmation from the production team, it should not be treated as an official first look.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time images linked to Varanasi have gone viral. Earlier this year, posters and theatre hoardings allegedly featuring Mahesh Babu as Lord Ram also surfaced online, although their authenticity remained unverified. The repeated leaks have only heightened anticipation surrounding Rajamouli's ambitious project.
Despite the speculation, the makers continue to maintain secrecy around the film. With Varanasi expected to be one of the biggest Indian films ever mounted, fans are eagerly awaiting an official glimpse of Mahesh Babu's much-talked-about Lord Ram avatar. Until then, the viral image remains an unverified social media sensation rather than a confirmed first look.
