Telugu film actor Mahesh Babu will voice the character Mufasa for the Telugu language version of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. This computer-generated (CG) film, which is a prequel to 2019’s The Lion King, will hit theatres worldwide on 20 December 2024.
Talking about his association with Disney, Babu shared, “I have always admired Disney’s blockbuster legacy of entertainment and timeless storytelling. The character of Mufasa appeals to me not only as a loving father guiding his son but as the supreme king of the jungle taking
care of his clan. My family means everything to me and this collaboration with Disney is personally very special as it is an experience. I will cherish it with my children! I am looking forward to when my family as well as my fans will be watching Mufasa: The Lion King in Telugu on the big screen on 20 December!”
Highly popular in the Telugu cinema, Babu is known pan-India for films like Guntur Kaaram (2024), Maharshi (2019), Sarileru Neekevvarru (2020), Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022) and Aagadu (2014) amongst others.
On bringing in Babu as the voice of the lead character, Disney Star studios head Bikram Duggal stated, “The iconic character of Mufasa has inspired generations, and we are thrilled to have Mahesh Babu bring the voice of Mufasa to life in the Telugu version of Mufasa: The Lion King!”
Apart from the superstar, the film’s Telugu voice cast includes comedian and actor Brahmanandam returning as Pumbaa, and actor Ali returning as Timon. The Telugu trailer for the film will go live on 26 August at 11:07 am.
Directed by Barry Jenkins and co-produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, the film brings new and well known characters to life by blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal CG imagery. The official synopsis reads:
Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, introducing an orphaned cub called Mufasa, a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline—and their expansive journey alongside an extraordinary group of misfits.
Disney had recently announced that the Hindi version of the film will star Shah Rukh Khan as the voice of Mufasa and his sons Aryan and AbRam as the voices of Simba and Young Mufasa respectively.
Mufasa: The Lion King will be in Indian theatres in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
