Tollywood star Mahesh Babu is currently immersed in the shooting of what is being described as the biggest project of his career, SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi. As part of his preparation for the film, the actor has been training in Kalaripayattu, one of the world’s oldest martial arts, to convincingly portray his character, Rudhra.
The update came to light after Kalaripayattu trainer Hari Krish, based in Hyderabad, shared his experience of working with the actor on social media. Posting a picture with Mahesh Babu on Instagram, the trainer expressed his surprise and pride at being associated with the project. He wrote that he never imagined his journey would lead him to train a global star of Indian cinema in the traditional art form.
Revealing Mahesh Babu as his student, Hari Krish described the actor as “deeply inspiring,” praising his lifestyle, aura, and hospitality. He also expressed gratitude to actor Nasser for facilitating the opportunity and to director SS Rajamouli for approving the training, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the scenes.
For the uninitiated, Kalaripayattu originated in Kerala and is known for blending physical strength with spiritual discipline. The martial art features animal-inspired stances, fluid movements, and combat techniques using traditional weapons such as swords and sticks. Over the years, it has been showcased in films like Commando (2013), Baaghi (2016), and Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025).
With Varanasi still in production, Mahesh Babu’s rigorous training reflects the scale and seriousness of Rajamouli’s vision for the film.
