Biography

Born on August 9, 1975, in the Ghatamaneni family, Mahesh Babu is one of the most prominent actors in Telugu cinema. He is the son of veteran actor Krishna and began his career as a child artist in 1979. Mahesh made his lead debut in 1999 with "Rajakumarudu," which earned him the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut.

He gained fame with films like "Murari" (2001) and "Okkadu" (2003), the latter winning him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. Over his career, Mahesh Babu has starred in over 25 films, becoming one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema. He has received numerous accolades, including nine Nandi Awards and five Filmfare Awards South. He is also featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list from 2012 to 2025.

Role in Varanasi

In "Varanasi," Mahesh Babu plays a dual role as archaeologist Rudhra and the mythological hero Rama. His character Rudhra is a globe-trotting adventurer and archaeologist on a quest for ancient artifacts. He also plays Rama in a significant 60-day shooting sequence inspired by the Ramayana, which director SS Rajamouli described as one of the most memorable of his career.

Mahesh Babu's character may gain divine powers following a catastrophic asteroid strike and is possibly an avatar of either Lord Ram or Lord Shiva according to fan theories. His character name "Rhudra" connects to Hindu mythology. For his role in this film, Mahesh Babu has opted for a profit-sharing model instead of upfront fees and is set to earn 40% of the profits if the film is successful.

Biography

Born on July 18, 1982, in Jamshedpur, India, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a prominent Indian actress, model, and businesswoman who gained fame after winning the Miss World title in 2000. She made her acting debut in the Tamil film "Thamizhan" (2002) and entered Bollywood with "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy" (2003).

Over the years, she has starred in several successful films, including "Aitraaz" (2004), "Fashion" (2008), "Kaminey" (2009), "Barfi!" (2012), and "Bajirao Mastani" (2015), earning numerous accolades, including a National Award for Best Actress. In 2015, Priyanka made a significant crossover to Hollywood by starring in the American TV series "Quantico," becoming the first Indian woman to lead a drama on a major U.S. network.

Her diverse filmography includes Hollywood films such as "Baywatch" and "Isn't It Romantic." Beyond her acting career, she is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for social causes such as gender equality and women's rights. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016 for her contributions to the arts.

Role in Varanasi

In "Varanasi," Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays explorer Mandakini, marking her return to Indian cinema. Her character bridges mythological and modern narratives according to fan theories. She is reportedly earning between ₹25–30 crore for her role in the film.

According to fan speculation, her role may involve falling into a cave associated with the goddess Chinnamasta Devi. Her character represents the modern element in the story, connecting the ancient mythology with contemporary times. This role signifies her transition back to Indian cinema after establishing herself in Hollywood.

Biography

Born on October 16, 1982, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Prithviraj Sukumaran is a prominent Indian actor, director, and producer primarily known for his work in Malayalam cinema. He has also appeared in Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu films, accumulating over 100 credits across various genres.

Prithviraj is recognized for his versatility and has received numerous accolades, including a National Film Award, four Kerala State Film Awards, and several SIIMA and Filmfare Awards. He graduated from the University of Tasmania and is the son of actors Mallika Sukumaran and Sukumaran. Prithviraj is married to Supriya Menon, with whom he has one child.

He is also the founder of Prithviraj Productions and has directed notable films, including "Lucifer." His career spans from 2002 to the present, showcasing his significant impact on the Indian film industry. He is known for his intense performances and has established himself as one of the leading actors in South Indian cinema.

Role in Varanasi

In "Varanasi," Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist Kumbha, who utilizes advanced technology and a high-tech wheelchair according to fan theories. His character may be connected to the mythological figure Kumbhakarna and is on a quest for ancient energy sources to access mythological eras.

According to fan speculation, his character Kumbha is possibly a billionaire named Kumbha seeking to control time and rewrite mythology. He is expected to earn over ₹10 crore for his role in the film. His character represents the technological aspect of the story, contrasting with the mythological elements embodied by the protagonists.