After rewriting Indian box office history with Baahubali and RRR, visionary director SS Rajamouli is now setting the stage for his most ambitious venture yet — a globe-spanning cinematic epic with superstar Mahesh Babu, tentatively titled SSMB29. Known for delivering visual spectacles, Rajamouli’s upcoming project is being hailed as a pan-world film, with plans for simultaneous release in over 120 countries.
Rajamouli has become a brand unto himself — his name alone guarantees packed theatres. His past work didn’t just elevate Telugu cinema to national prominence but pushed it onto the global stage. With SSMB29, he’s aiming to go beyond. Industry insiders suggest that the film is being envisioned on a scale comparable to Hollywood franchises like Avatar and Avengers, with international legends like James Cameron and Steven Spielberg already acknowledging Rajamouli’s craft post-RRR.
The film has created huge buzz since word of Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu collaboration started doing the rounds. Touted as a “globe-trotting adventure,” the movie has supposedly got a protagonist on a mythological journey with strong spiritual connotations. Adding to the frenzy, a leaked set video recently went viral and left the fans hungry to interpret what sorcery the director has been brewing this time.
On the birthday of Mahesh Babu, a pre-look poster was released, and fans went into overdrive. The poster had the actor with blood dripping from his neck, wearing a rudraksha mala with some fierce Hindu symbols like the Nandi and Trishula – heavily suggesting a Shaivism and Indian mythos-based storyline. Some speculate the story may be linked to the Ramayana and a quest for ancient powerful artefacts.
Joining the rumors, reports say the working title of the movie is Varanasi, and a mammoth Rs 50-crore set to mimic the holy city has been constructed. While this indicates that major portions of the story take place in Varanasi, some fans opine the title does not have the élan required of a Rajamouli blockbuster. Reactions on social media have been conflicting, with most asking the makers to opt for a more compelling title.
Also Read: The Wait is Over: Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra’s Dance Number in SSMB29 is Finally Revealed!
Production is in progress at a breakneck speed, and the creators are looking to release it in 2027. There’s also talk of global star Priyanka Chopra coming on board as the female lead, although nothing official has been announced yet.
Here’s one thing that’s for sure: with SSMB29, Rajamouli is not only looking to have a hit again he’s looking to create history.
