Mahesh Babu, Rajamouli Team Up for SSMB29

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and acclaimed director SS Rajamouli are collaborating on an ambitious film tentatively titled SSMB29, anticipated to be a global feature with a staggering budget of Rs 1000 crore. The film is rumored to be a jungle adventure action drama, with Rajamouli planning to shoot VFX-heavy portions first to optimize post-production. Cinematographer PS Vinod, known for his work in Telugu and Hindi films, will helm the camera, marking a new partnership with Rajamouli. The story, penned by Rajamouli's father Vijayendra Prasad, is inspired by James Bond and Wilbur Smith's novels, with Babu reportedly undergoing a transformation for his role, which draws from Hindu mythology. While Prithviraj Sukumaran is speculated to play the main antagonist, official casting details are still pending. The film is set to begin shooting in January 2024, targeting a release in 2028.