Superstar Mahesh Babu recently took the internet by storm with his never-seen-before look as he prepares for his upcoming film, tentatively titled SSMB 29. The actor, known for maintaining a consistent appearance, surprised fans with a bushy beard and long hair, sparking comparisons to Keanu Reeves' iconic John Wick look. This new avatar is part of his transformation for the highly anticipated action-adventure film directed by SS Rajamouli, with the script penned by Rajamouli’s father, Vijayendra Prasad.

The buzz around Mahesh Babu’s look grew even louder when he and his wife, Namrata Shirodkar, recently met Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to donate Rs 50 lakh to the CM Relief Fund, contributing to flood relief efforts. The couple was photographed with the Chief Minister, with Mahesh Babu's striking new appearance quickly going viral across social media platforms. Fans couldn’t help but notice his resemblance to other well-known actors, with some playfully comparing him to Ranbir Kapoor’s character from the upcoming film Animal.

The actor’s transformation is reportedly part of Rajamouli’s vision for SSMB 29, which will see Mahesh Babu portray an adventurist in a globally scaled action-adventure. The film, inspired by James Bond and the works of author Wilbur Smith, is set to feature extensive VFX and is being produced on a massive scale by KL Narayana. Cinematographer PS Vinod has been brought on board to capture the visual grandeur of the project.

While pre-production activities, including workshops, look tests, and artwork, are in full swing, Mahesh Babu has cut down on public appearances to focus on his character’s preparation. With shooting likely to begin early next year, excitement is building among fans for both the film and Mahesh Babu's bold new look, which promises to redefine his style in a significant way.