Varanasi : Mahesh Babu bags highest-ever ₹150 Crore remuneration for SS Rajamouli epic?

Varanasi is one of the most awaited films in Indian cinema and has Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the main leads. The other day, we reported that Priyanka Chopra is getting a whopping Rs 40 crore as her fee. Now, it is time for us to reveal Mahesh Babu's salary.

Inside Mahesh Babu’s massive ₹150 crore pay package for Varanasi

There is no denying the fact that Mahesh Babu is a top star and charges big money for his films. But everyone wants to know how much he is charging for the SS Rajamouli starrer. 

Going into details, Mahesh Babu generally charges Rs 70 crore per film and got the same for his last, Guntur Kaaram. When it comes to Varanasi, a source close to the team has revealed to us that the makers have agreed to pay him a whopping Rs 150 crore as his fee.

They have signed a deal in such a way that he will get Rs 50 crore per year to be a part of the film. From the day the film went on floors to the release date, it is three years, hence the Rs 150 crore. This is the highest amount for a Mahesh Babu film, and he now joins Prabhas, who charges the same for each of his films.

Ever since Mahesh Babu became a superstar, he has always wished to work with SS Rajamouli, and now that his dream has come true, he has decided not to sign any film for the next three years and is hence getting that kind of money for Varanasi.

The news is also that Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the main villain, is getting double what he generally charges for a Malayalam film. The team has headed for a short break and will soon start a key schedule abroad as per the news. 

KL Narayana and Rajamouli's son, SS Karthikeya, are jointly producing this film, which has music by MM Keeravani. The first-look teaser of the film is now playing in theaters across the globe and is receiving a lot of appreciation. 

Varanasi budget details

There is also news that the makers are spending Rs 1000 crore on the budget of this film, which is an adventure thriller and will be released in multiple languages. The makers have decided to release the film in the summer of 2027, and the post-production has already begun. 

Some of the biggest VFX companies in the world are taking part in the graphics, and Varanasi will be one hell of a film that will put Indian cinema on the world map.

Also Read: Spirit gets bigger: Sandeep Reddy Vanga in talks with Kajol for a key role in the Prabhas starrer

FAQs

Q. When will the first look of Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli be out?

A. The first look of the Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli film was revealed on November 15, 2025

Q. Who is playing the female lead in Mahesh Babu's next?

A. Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays the female lead in Mahesh Babu's next, titled Varanasi.

Q. When will Varanasi release?

A. The film releases in summer of 2027