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Mahabharata Buzz: Nani`s Karna Leads List of Highly Anticipated Stars
Updated on: 28 April, 2025 05:39 PM IST |Sneha Sunojkumar
The Mahabharata saga is set to explode onto the screen
In a monumental development for Indian cinema, visionary director "SS Rajamouli" has officially confirmed "Natural Star Nani" for his highly anticipated dream project `Mahabharata`. This exclusive revelation comes after months of intense speculation about the casting for this 2,000 crore epic.
According to our trusted industry sources, Nani has been finalized to portray the complex character of "Karna", the tragic warrior known for his unparalleled skills and heartbreaking destiny. This marks a significant career milestone for Nani, who will be collaborating with Rajamouli for the first time.
"The Decisive Moment: Why Nani Won the Role"
The casting process for `Mahabharata` has been rigorous, with several A-list actors considered for the pivotal role of Karna. Our sources reveal that "Prabhas" and "Vijay Deverakonda" were strong contenders, but it was Nani`s powerful audition that ultimately sealed the deal.
Nani performed the `Danavastra` scene during his screen test, and it left the entire team awestruck," shared a close associate from the production. "His ability to portray Karna`s internal conflict - the simmering rage beneath his noble exterior - was exactly what Rajamouli wanted.
This casting decision showcases Rajamouli`s keen eye for talent, as he continues his tradition of extracting career-best performances from his actors. Nani, fresh off the success of *Dasara*, is reportedly undergoing an intense physical and emotional transformation to do justice to this iconic character.
Also Read: https://www.radiocity.in/entertainment/news/ss-rajamouli-confirms-nani-will-play-a-role-in-his-magnum-opus-mahabharata-14316
"Unprecedented Scale and Ambitious Plans"
The `Mahabharata` project is being planned as the most ambitious film in Indian cinema history:
- The "Kurukshetra War sequence" alone is budgeted at 800 crore
- "DNEG" (the VFX studio behind `Dune` and `Baahubali`) will handle the groundbreaking visual effects
- The production design team is creating "life-sized replicas" of ancient kingdoms
- The film will be shot simultaneously in "Telugu and Hindi", with plans for multi-language release
"Star-Studded Ensemble Takes Shape"
While Nani`s casting is now confirmed, other major roles are being finalized:
- "Mahesh Babu" is in advanced talks to play "Arjuna"
- "Deepika Padukone" is the top choice for "Draupadi"
- Veteran actor "Kamal Haasan" is being pursued for the role of "Bhishma Pitamah"
- Negotiations are ongoing with "Allu Arjun" for "Duryodhana"
"Nani`s Grueling Preparation"
The actor has already begun his transformation:
- Training with "Navy SEAL instructors" for combat sequences
- Learning "Sanskritized dialogue delivery"
- Following a "strict warrior`s diet" and workout regimen
In an exclusive statement to our publication, Nani shared: "This is my Yuddham moment. I`m prepared to bleed for Karna - both physically and emotionally. Working with Rajamouli garu is every actor`s dream, and I won`t let this opportunity go to waste."
"Industry Reactions and Fan Response"
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the industry:
- "#NaniAsKarna" trended worldwide within hours
- Prabhas fans have expressed disappointment on social media
- Trade analysts predict this could elevate Nani to pan-India stardom
Rajamouli is expected to make an official announcement at the `RRR 2nd anniversary celebrations` next month. Meanwhile, pre-production work continues at a feverish pace at Annapurna Studios
Also Read: https://www.radiocity.in/web-stories/7-anticipated-actors-rumored-for-ss-rajamoulis-mahabharata-4592
According to our trusted industry sources, Nani has been finalized to portray the complex character of "Karna", the tragic warrior known for his unparalleled skills and heartbreaking destiny. This marks a significant career milestone for Nani, who will be collaborating with Rajamouli for the first time.
"The Decisive Moment: Why Nani Won the Role"
The casting process for `Mahabharata` has been rigorous, with several A-list actors considered for the pivotal role of Karna. Our sources reveal that "Prabhas" and "Vijay Deverakonda" were strong contenders, but it was Nani`s powerful audition that ultimately sealed the deal.
Nani performed the `Danavastra` scene during his screen test, and it left the entire team awestruck," shared a close associate from the production. "His ability to portray Karna`s internal conflict - the simmering rage beneath his noble exterior - was exactly what Rajamouli wanted.
This casting decision showcases Rajamouli`s keen eye for talent, as he continues his tradition of extracting career-best performances from his actors. Nani, fresh off the success of *Dasara*, is reportedly undergoing an intense physical and emotional transformation to do justice to this iconic character.
Also Read: https://www.radiocity.in/entertainment/news/ss-rajamouli-confirms-nani-will-play-a-role-in-his-magnum-opus-mahabharata-14316
"Unprecedented Scale and Ambitious Plans"
The `Mahabharata` project is being planned as the most ambitious film in Indian cinema history:
- The "Kurukshetra War sequence" alone is budgeted at 800 crore
- "DNEG" (the VFX studio behind `Dune` and `Baahubali`) will handle the groundbreaking visual effects
- The production design team is creating "life-sized replicas" of ancient kingdoms
- The film will be shot simultaneously in "Telugu and Hindi", with plans for multi-language release
"Star-Studded Ensemble Takes Shape"
While Nani`s casting is now confirmed, other major roles are being finalized:
- "Mahesh Babu" is in advanced talks to play "Arjuna"
- "Deepika Padukone" is the top choice for "Draupadi"
- Veteran actor "Kamal Haasan" is being pursued for the role of "Bhishma Pitamah"
- Negotiations are ongoing with "Allu Arjun" for "Duryodhana"
"Nani`s Grueling Preparation"
The actor has already begun his transformation:
- Training with "Navy SEAL instructors" for combat sequences
- Learning "Sanskritized dialogue delivery"
- Following a "strict warrior`s diet" and workout regimen
In an exclusive statement to our publication, Nani shared: "This is my Yuddham moment. I`m prepared to bleed for Karna - both physically and emotionally. Working with Rajamouli garu is every actor`s dream, and I won`t let this opportunity go to waste."
"Industry Reactions and Fan Response"
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the industry:
- "#NaniAsKarna" trended worldwide within hours
- Prabhas fans have expressed disappointment on social media
- Trade analysts predict this could elevate Nani to pan-India stardom
Rajamouli is expected to make an official announcement at the `RRR 2nd anniversary celebrations` next month. Meanwhile, pre-production work continues at a feverish pace at Annapurna Studios
Also Read: https://www.radiocity.in/web-stories/7-anticipated-actors-rumored-for-ss-rajamoulis-mahabharata-4592
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