It is well known director Rajamouli is currently working on his upcoming much-anticipated SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu in the lead. The noted filmmaker who has a keen eye for detail and crafting grand sets in its films has reportedly erected a massive set showcasing the city of Varanasi in Hyderabad’s Ramoji Rao Film City at a cost of Rs 50 crore.
As per the plot, important scenes of the film are set to take place in Varanasi. However, with the team expecting huge crowd to gather in the city, a decision was made to set up a grand set to replicate Varanasi in the Film City.
Along with this, the main shoot of the film is set to begin next month in the dense forests of Kenya where important scenes featuring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra are expected to be shot. An official announcement regarding this awaited from the makers. The film also has Prithviraj Sukumaran in a pivotal role.
“Every detail is being obsessively crafted," the source shared, according to Hindustan Times. “Rajamouli wants authenticity, and his team is ensuring it looks like you’ve actually stepped into Varanasi." According to the source two schedules of the film have already been filmed, with the next leg of the shoot to move to Kenya soon.
SSMB29 is said to be a globe-trotting action adventure inspired by the works of author Wilbur Smith. The makers revealed that the film will feature a story set in a forest, with Mahesh Babu playing a role loosely inspired by Lord Hanuman. The film is being produced by KL Narayana with a reported budget of Rs 1,000 crore. Reports suggest that the film is currently scheduled for release in March 2027.
While official confirmation is awaited, reports further claim that Deva Katta has already submitted a version of the dialogues to Rajamouli. SSMB29 is written by Vijayendra Prasad and features music by MM Keeravani.