Tollywood
Varanasi: Jr NTR's son Bhargava Ram roped in to play young Mahesh Babu? Report claims Superstar made the request
The excitement around SS Rajamouli"™s magnum opus Varanasi (formerly SSMB29) has just hit a fever pitch. After the massive title reveal earlier this month, a new report is sending shockwaves through Tollywood. If the latest buzz is to be believed, we are about to witness a historic Nandamuri meets Ghattamaneni moment on the big screen! If the latest buzz in Tollywood is anything to go by, fans are in for a massive surprise. According to strong reports, Bhargava Ram"”the 7-year-old younger son of 'Man of Masses' Jr NTR"”has been roped in to make his grand acting debut in SS Rajamouli"™s Varanasi. While official confirmation is still awaited, this development has already sparked a frenzy on social media, marking a potential crossover between two of the industry's biggest acting dynasties. Sources close to the development claim that Bhargava will be playing the childhood version of Mahesh Babu"™s character (Rudhra). The casting choice reportedly didn't happen through a usual audition process. The buzz suggests that Superstar Mahesh Babu personally requested Jr NTR to let his son take up the role, feeling the young starkid had the perfect charm and resemblance for the part. While Jr NTR and Mahesh Babu share a close bond off-screen, their families have rarely crossed paths professionally. If verified, seeing the Young Tiger's son play the Superstar's younger self would be a cinematic treat for fans of both massive clans. Officially announced as Varanasi on November 15, SS Rajamouli"™s magnum opus is shaping up to be a globetrotting action-adventure of unprecedented scale. The film boasts a stellar ensemble, with Mahesh Babu rumored to essay a dual role as Rudhra and Lord Ram, alongside global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the female lead, Mandakini, and Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran as the formidable antagonist, Kumbha. Blending mythology with sci-fi elements, the intricate plot reportedly involves time travel and a catastrophic event in ancient 512 CE Varanasi that links to the modern world of 2027. Mounted on a staggering budget of reportedly ₹1300 crore, Varanasi promises to be India"™s most expensive cinematic spectacle to date. While the reports are strong and the casting news is dominating social media trends, an official confirmation from the makers or Jr NTR"™s family is still awaited. Until then, fans are keeping their fingers crossed for this mega-crossover!