What’s the Real Story Behind Vaaranasi’s Villain?

Ever since the title Vaaranasi dropped, buzz is exploding--but the hottest discussion is around Prithviraj’s villain character, ‘Kumbha’. While Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra’s looks received massive positive vibes, the villain’s first poster created mixed reactions. Fans wondered--why does a Rajamouli villain look so understated? But the new theory circulating in the industry has completely changed the narrative. The name ‘Kumbha’ itself is the biggest hint. It’s not a random name--it's believed to be inspired by the legendary Kumbhakarna from the Ramayana. A titan who slept for months, woke up for war, and stood as Rama’s toughest challenge.

His power was beyond ordinary. Prithviraj being shown in a wheelchair--limbs stiff, body intense--some fans believe it symbolically mirrors Kumbhakarna’s final battle where Rama severed his limbs. With Rajamouli already confirming that Mahesh Babu’s character has “Rama-like inspiration”, the dots are connecting fast. The buzz is that this film may present a modern, psychological reincarnation of the Rama–Kumbhakarna conflict. If this theory is true, then the villain’s simple-looking poster is just a cover. The real power of ‘Kumbha’ may be far beyond what it seems.
Fans are already hyped, waiting for Rajamouli’s twist to explode on screen.