Published: Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 12:25 PM IST
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
A missed chance for one star, a dream debut for another
In the early 2000s, Telugu cinema was finding its modern voice — blending mass action with emotion, melody, and style. One such project in development was Varsham (2004), a rain-drenched love story penned by director Sobhan.
The story was originally written for Mahesh Babu. At the time, he was soaring high from the success of Okkadu (2003), playing a fierce kabaddi player who rescues a young woman from a factionist’s grip. Director Sobhan believed Varsham would be the perfect follow-up.
But Mahesh thought otherwise.
He politely turned down the offer, reportedly saying the film didn’t align with his image or instincts at the time. And so, the offer was passed on to a rising face — Prabhas. (ALSO READ: “Prabhas In Spirit: Bold Romance Confirmed? Know More” )
Enter Prabhas: From Rain to Reign
Prabhas had just made his debut with Eeswar in 2002, followed by Raghavendra in 2003. While both films gave him a decent start, he was still searching for that one big break.
That break came in the form of Varsham.
The film released on 14 January 2004, during the Sankranti season. Audiences were captivated by its fresh romance, stylish action, and heart-pounding drama. It wasn’t just a success — it was a career-defining blockbuster. (ALSO READ: “Prabhas Fans Unhappy With Triptii Dimri’s Casting In Spirit After Deepika’s Exit” )
Varsham Cast and Crew: The Winning Team
- Prabhas as Venkat, the spirited lover willing to fight fate
- Trisha Krishnan (in her Telugu debut) as Sailaja, a classical dancer and the emotional core of the story
- Gopichand as Bhadranna, the obsessed and violent suitor
- Prakash Raj as Sailaja’s greedy father
- Tanikella Bharani, Sunil, and others in supporting roles
Directed by Sobhan and produced by M.S. Raju, Varsham featured powerful music by Devi Sri Prasad, whose songs like Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana and Mellaga Karagani became instant chartbusters.
The cinematography by S. Gopal Reddy and the high-octane fights choreographed by Peter Hein added flair and freshness to the film’s storytelling. (ALSO READ: “Khaleja Sets New Benchmark For Telugu Re-Releases” )
Mahesh Babu’s Film Line-Up at the Time
While Varsham was shaping up with Prabhas, Mahesh Babu was busy with back-to-back projects:
- Okkadu (2003): One of his biggest hits, directed by Gunasekhar
- Nijam (2003): An emotional drama where he played a man seeking justice
- Naani (2004): A sci-fi romantic drama directed by S.J. Surya
- Arjun (2004): Another action-packed film where he played a protective brother
Though Mahesh skipped Varsham, he was still shaping his career with varied roles and critical acclaim. (ALSO READ: Romancing Father’s Age? Trisha Krishnan Responds to Thug Life Backlash )
Trisha’s Rise and Gopichand’s Roar
For Trisha, Varsham was her grand entry into Tollywood. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu, cementing her position as a leading lady.
Gopichand, previously known for his hero roles, shocked audiences with his chilling villainy. His performance as Bhadranna remains one of his most memorable. (ALSO READ: “Khaleja Sets New Benchmark For Telugu Re-Releases” )
20 Years Later: A Rainy Classic Returns
In May 2025, as Prabhas completed 20 years in cinema, Varsham was re-released in select theaters across Telangana. Fans, now grown up with him, thronged cinemas in celebration. The re-release reminded everyone of where his journey began — in the rain, in love, in Varsham.
From Rejection to Revolution
Mahesh Babu’s decision may have seemed small then, but it opened the floodgates for Prabhas. Varsham was not just a hit; it was the start of a star’s reign.
While Mahesh continued to deliver hits with his calculated choices, Prabhas embraced larger-than-life characters, eventually becoming the face of pan-India cinema with Baahubali and beyond.
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