Mahesh Babu’s upcoming film Varanasi, directed by SS Rajamouli, remains one of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema. The film has the potential to redefine box-office benchmarks whenever it finally releases.
Yet one question continues to generate curiosity within industry circles: who will direct Mahesh Babu’s next film after Varanasi?
At the moment, nobody seems to know for sure.
The speculation gained momentum after Peddi director Buchi Babu revealed in an interview that he had narrated a story to Mahesh Babu. That immediately led to reports that he could be in contention for the superstar’s next project.
Soon after, another rumor began circulating. Industry buzz suggested that a film backed by Asian Cinemas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga was also under discussion. The possibility of Mahesh and Sandeep collaborating naturally created excitement among fans.
However, that combination appears difficult to materialize anytime soon.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga is currently occupied with Spirit starring Prabhas. He is also expected to move on to projects involving Allu Arjun and Animal Park with Ranbir Kapoor. Given the scale of those commitments, finding space for a Mahesh Babu film in the immediate future looks challenging.
Meanwhile, another possibility is quietly gathering momentum.
Industry reports suggest Mahesh Babu has shown interest in reuniting with Anil Ravipudi. Discussions about a collaboration surfaced after Guntur Kaaram, but the project never progressed beyond the initial stages.
Now, the equation appears different.
After spending years on Rajamouli’s globe-trotting adventure, Mahesh may prefer something lighter, more entertaining, and less physically demanding as his immediate follow-up. That is where Anil Ravipudi enters the picture.
According to industry buzz, Anil has already narrated a sports-based family entertainer. The concept reportedly features Mahesh Babu in the role of a coach, a character that would allow him to explore a fresh image while still operating within a commercial framework.
Historically, many stars who complete large-scale, physically exhausting projects often choose comparatively lighter entertainers afterward. A family-oriented sports drama could provide Mahesh with exactly that balance while also appealing to his core audience. Anil Ravipudi is also the best remedy to cure Rajamouli’s curse because of his 100% success track record.
Of course, everything remains speculative for now.
Neither Mahesh Babu nor his team has officially announced any project beyond Varanasi. Given the scale of Rajamouli’s film and the amount of work still remaining, there is no immediate pressure to finalize the next venture.
But that has not stopped the speculation.
Whether it is Buchi Babu, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Anil Ravipudi, or someone else entirely, the race to direct Mahesh Babu after Varanasi has already become one of the most closely watched discussions in Tollywood.
Until an official announcement arrives, the mystery is likely to continue.
