Mahesh Babu is currently working on Varanasi with director SS Rajamouli, a project that is expected to take two to three years to complete.
The big question is what comes next after this film, because the national and global market that Rajamouli delivers needs to be effectively utilised and sustained.
Prabhas, for instance, has successfully capitalised on this by consistently doing big-budget films.
According to reliable sources, Mahesh Babu is expected to be free from the main shooting schedule of Varanasi by the summer of 2026. Post-production work will continue thereafter, which is a separate phase altogether.
After Varanasi, it is guaranteed that several producers will line up, ready to make a film with Mahesh Babu.
Even otherwise, producers queue up to work with a star of his stature. After a global-scale film like Varanasi, the demand will be even higher.
However, sources suggest that Mahesh Babu is thinking differently. He is reportedly keen on doing his next film under his own GMB Entertainment banner.
Even if another banner is involved, it is expected to be only as a joint venture with GMB, not independently.
It is also learnt that Mahesh Babu is planning to start a new film by June and that the search is on for a suitable subject and director.
If things fall into place, he could begin another project within a short time after the release of Varanasi. This will undoubtedly come as great news for his fans.