The trailer of Mahesh Babu's much awaited film Maharshi was released on Wednesday evening on the occasion of May Day.

The trailer opens with the voice-over of Rao Ramesh asking, “What do you want to achieve Rishi?” “I want to rule, sir,” Mahesh, who plays Rishi, says unflinchingly. This reply sets the stage for who Rishi is. Rishi is a successful businessman who never backs down from a challenge. Coming from a modest middle-class background, he reaches the pinnacle because of his competitive attitude, which is contrary to his father Prakash Raj’s character. The latter is content with whatever he has.

Though now a successful millionaire, Rishi sulks because he misses his college life, friends and parents. His close friends are Pooja Hegde and Allari Naresh.

After several failed films, actor Allari Naresh is making a comeback of sorts with Maharashi, which is directed by Vamsi Paidipally.

The trailer does give a feel of Srimanthudu-- one of Mahesh’s earlier films, where Mahesh who grows up in a city, goes to his village to develop it.

The trailer shows Rishi ploughing land in a village. It also shows Rishi’s three phases -- college student, businessman and a farmer.

Jagapathi Babu, who played the character of Mahesh’s father in Srimanthudu, is the villain in this film.  During a face-off, Jagapathi Babu says to Rishi, “You may be habituated to winning, but from now on get used to losing as well.”

A defiant Rishi shoots back, “I vaguely remember saying this to my mom when I was a kid, now I’m telling you, ‘I’m afraid of losing. Using that fear I have come this far.’”

Maharshi is the 25th film of Mahesh Babu. This is the first time that Mahesh is collaborating with Vamsi. Maharshi is jointly produced by Dil Raju, C Ashwini Dutt and Prasad V Potluri.

Music for the film is by Devi Sri Prasad. Two songs from the film have already been released. The film will be releasing on May 9.