The film industry is buzzing following the release of the teaser for SS Rajamouli's upcoming film, "Varanasi" (SSMB 29), with Mahesh Babu in the lead. The teaser and first look were unveiled at a grand event in Hyderabad and have since taken the internet by storm, garnering praise from fans and celebrities alike. Among those showering accolades is filmmaker Karan Johar, who has openly expressed his admiration for both Mahesh Babu's look and Rajamouli's vision.

Karan Johar took to Instagram to share his excitement, calling Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudra "Epic!!!!". He also lauded SS Rajamouli, acknowledging him as "the one and only". Johar's enthusiastic response reflects the widespread anticipation surrounding "Varanasi" and Rajamouli's directorial prowess.

The "Varanasi" teaser offers a glimpse into a potentially epic and mythological adventure. The announcement video begins with an asteroid hurtling towards Earth, its fragments scattering across various locations, including Varanasi, Antarctica, and Africa. This imagery suggests a story that spans centuries and possibly incorporates elements from the Ramayana. Mahesh Babu's character, Rudra, is revealed in a striking visual: bloodied, holding a trident, and riding a bull against a backdrop of ancient temples. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist, Kumbha.

Adding to the chorus of praise, director Prashanth Neel also shared his excitement, complimenting Mahesh Babu's charming look and congratulating S.S. Rajamouli. Telugu actor Brahmaji reacted to the teaser, exclaiming, "OMG… Avatar ki baap hi…", suggesting that the film could be even more impressive than "Avatar".

Karan Johar's admiration for S.S. Rajamouli is well-known. He has openly spoken about his "obsession" with the director and his work. Johar revealed that he was the one who approached Rajamouli to collaborate on "Baahubali," and that he even took inspiration for the title of his film "Student of the Year" from Rajamouli's debut film, "Student No. 1". He also distributed the Hindi versions of "Baahubali" which became a massive box office success. Johar has also expressed disappointment over the Hindi version of Rajamouli's film "Makkhi" (Eega) not performing well, stating that it wasn't marketed properly.

Johar has also spoken on Rajamouli's filmmaking style, observing that Rajamouli's films prioritize conviction over conventional logic. He believes that the unwavering belief in the story, even if it defies logic, is key to the success of films like "RRR" and "Baahubali".

The unveiling of "Varanasi" has generated immense excitement and anticipation. The film's intriguing teaser, coupled with the star power of Mahesh Babu and the directorial genius of S.S. Rajamouli, has set the stage for what could be another landmark film in Indian cinema. As fans eagerly await more details about "Varanasi," the praise from influential figures like Karan Johar only amplifies the buzz surrounding this highly anticipated project.