SS Rajamouli, who gained global recognition with his ambitious projects like Baahubali and Eega, continues to raise the bar for Indian cinema with each of his endeavors. His latest film, tentatively titled SSMB 29, is no exception. Currently being shot, this movie is touted to be the most expensive Indian film ever produced. It marks Mahesh Babu’s first collaboration with Rajamouli, a pairing that has generated immense excitement among fans. However, recent developments have stirred the pot and somewhat disrupted the buzz surrounding the project.
The movie’s current schedule is taking place in the scenic yet barren landscapes of Odisha. While shooting on location adds authenticity and grandeur to films, it also comes with its risks. A video from the SSMB 29 set was recently leaked, which has quickly gone viral across social media platforms. In the leaked footage, Mahesh Babu is seen walking through a deserted, sandy terrain with strong winds blowing around him. As the scene progresses, he is forced at gunpoint to kneel before a villain who is seated in a wheelchair, wearing a sharp suit. The leaked footage not only showcases Mahesh Babu’s new rugged look for the film but also confirms long-standing rumors that actor Prithviraj Sukumaran will play the primary antagonist in the film.
The leak of such critical details is undoubtedly frustrating for Rajamouli, who is known for keeping his film details under tight wraps. In the digital age, where smartphones are ubiquitous, and social media has become a platform for instant sharing, filming on real-world locations poses a significant challenge in maintaining secrecy. Interestingly, earlier portions of the movie shot in Hyderabad, including the film’s muhurath function, were kept under wraps without any leaks, which makes the current leak even more notable.
While there were speculations initially suggesting that the leaked footage could have been from an advertisement shoot featuring Mahesh Babu, it has now been confirmed that the clip indeed came from the sets of SSMB 29. Although the filmmakers have been tight-lipped about the full cast, there have been rumors swirling around Priyanka Chopra-Jonas being part of the movie, marking her Telugu debut. Though no official announcement has been made yet, it’s now widely believed that Priyanka has joined the star-studded cast and will be filming scenes in the picturesque Talamali Hills.
In terms of technical prowess, Rajamouli has brought together some of his trusted collaborators for this massive project. Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, who has worked with Rajamouli on several previous hits, will compose the music, ensuring the film has a grand auditory presence. Writer Vijayendra Prasad, who has been integral to Rajamouli’s success, is also on board to pen the story, while cinematographer PS Vinod, who previously worked on Guntur Kaaram, will handle the visuals, promising a stunning visual experience. With such a talented team behind it, SSMB 29 is poised to be another groundbreaking film for Indian cinema, although the leaks may have forced the filmmakers to rethink some of their filming strategies moving forward.