The buzz around director S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming film with superstar Mahesh Babu is reaching fever pitch. Known for his grand vision, Rajamouli is crafting this project on an international scale, aiming to elevate Indian cinema to new heights. The makers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a massive global release, with plans to partner with a leading international production house. Speculation is rife that Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu are in talks with Sony Pictures International, a company with which Mahesh already shares a strong connection. Sony was a co-producer on Mahesh’s superhit film Major, which he produced, cementing a solid professional relationship.
In addition, sources suggest that Mahesh Babu, Rajamouli, and their team are also engaging with Walt Disney Pictures. This isn’t Mahesh’s first brush with Disney either—he lent his voice to the character of Mufasa in the Telugu version of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, adding to the excitement around these potential collaborations.
Currently, the film, tentatively titled SSMB29, is being shot in Kenya, with Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and the principal cast actively involved. To secure filming permissions, Rajamouli met with local political leaders in Kenya. According to posts on X by Kenyan officials, a 120-member crew has descended on the country, highlighting Kenya as an ideal destination for tourism and filmmaking. They also revealed that SSMB29 is set to release in 120 countries, a testament to its global ambitions. Rajamouli is reportedly planning to dub and release the film in 20 languages worldwide, a move that could shatter box-office records if executed as envisioned.
The film is being co-produced by KL Narayana under the Durga Arts banner, with a tentative release date of March 25, 2027—a significant date, as Rajamouli’s previous blockbuster RRR also hit theaters on March 25, 2022. Adding to the anticipation, Rajamouli has confirmed that the first look of this mythological-themed film will be unveiled in November. There’s talk that this reveal will take place at prominent temples across India, a fitting choice given the film’s reported mythological undertones. Fans can expect more clarity on these plans in early November. The film is set to be released in two parts. It is being produced with an estimated budget of around 1200 crore rupees.
With its grand scale, international partnerships, and a stellar cast, SSMB29 is poised to be a cinematic milestone. If Rajamouli’s vision comes to fruition, this could be a game-changer for Indian cinema on the global stage.
