Mahesh Babu to play rugged explorer in high-budget spectacle inspired by Indiana Jones
SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated collaboration with superstar Mahesh Babu is finally taking concrete form, with the film's third schedule set to commence in Tanzania's Serengeti region during the third week of July. The project, tentatively titled SSMB 29, promises to be one of India's most ambitious cinematic ventures.
According to reports from Tanzanian media outlet The Citizen, the film draws inspiration from classic adventure films, particularly Indiana Jones and African adventure cinema. The story follows a rugged explorer who embarks on a high-stakes mission through uncharted terrain, battling nature, mystery, and formidable enemies to uncover a long-lost secret that could change the world.
The narrative promises ancient legends, wild landscapes, and edge-of-your-seat thrills, positioning Mahesh Babu in an entirely new avatar as an action-adventure hero. This marks a significant departure from his recent commercial entertainers, showcasing Rajamouli's ability to reinvent established stars.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by Mahesh Babu alongside Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who returns to Indian cinema after her Hollywood stint. Malayalam cinema's Prithviraj Sukumaran rounds out the principal cast, with recent reports suggesting R Madhavan may also join the project.
Priyanka Chopra recently expressed her excitement about working in India again, stating her eagerness to return to Hindi cinema. Her inclusion adds significant international appeal to the already star-studded project.
The production is reportedly mounted on a staggering $116 million budget, making it one of India's most expensive films to date. This massive investment reflects the filmmakers' confidence in creating a truly global cinematic spectacle that can compete on international platforms.
The film's shooting schedule spans multiple international locations, with the current Tanzania schedule to be followed by extensive filming in South Africa. Earlier schedules have already been completed in Odisha's Koraput district, where the team shot at Talamali Hilltop.
Interestingly, while Tanzanian media describe the film as an African adventure epic, earlier reports from Indian entertainment portals suggested a different narrative. Some sources claimed the story was rooted in the ancient history of Kashi (modern-day Varanasi), with mythological references to Lord Shiva shaping the adventure.
This discrepancy has only added to the intrigue surrounding the project, with fans speculating whether the film might cleverly weave both Indian mythology and African adventure elements into a single narrative.
Unlike his previous blockbusters, Baahubali and RRR, Rajamouli has maintained unprecedented secrecy around SSMB 29. The director has refrained from holding press conferences or revealing plot details, with even the film's pooja ceremony conducted in a low-key manner.
This strategic silence has only heightened anticipation, with every leaked detail becoming major news in entertainment circles. The approach suggests Rajamouli's confidence in delivering something truly spectacular that will speak for itself.
Industry insiders suggest that following RRR's Oscar success, the team is already strategising for potential Academy Award recognition. Reports indicate possible collaboration with Hollywood production houses to enhance the film's international credentials and Oscar prospects.
With Durga Arts officially bankrolling the project and producer KL Narayana at the helm, SSMB 29 represents not just a film but a statement of intent from the Indian film industry to create content that transcends regional boundaries.
As the Tanzania schedule begins, all eyes will be on this ambitious project that promises to redefine the scope of Indian cinema on the global stage.
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