Something big just happened. Like really big. The kind of big that makes you stop scrolling and stare at your screen for a solid minute. Priyanka Chopra Jonas just stepped back into Indian cinema and she brought fire with her. Not metaphorically. Literally holding a weapon in a stunning yellow saree while the world burns around her. This is not your regular comeback. This is an entrance that screams power, mystery and danger all at once.
SS Rajamouli, the man who gave us RRR and Baahubali, has finally unveiled the first look of Priyanka as Mandakini in his next mega project with Mahesh Babu. Right now everyone is calling it SSMB29 but whispers say the real title drops on November 15. The poster alone has sent social media into a frenzy. Fans are losing their minds. Critics are already predicting box office records. And honestly, can you blame them?
After six years away from Indian films, Priyanka is back and she chose the biggest stage possible. A film with a reported budget crossing Rs 1200 crore. A director whose last two films redefined what Indian cinema can achieve globally. A co-star in Mahesh Babu who commands insane fan loyalty. And a story that promises to take audiences on a globe trotting adventure unlike anything we have seen before.
But here is the twist. This is not just about Priyanka. This film has layers. There is Prithviraj Sukumaran playing a wheelchair bound villain with cybernetic arms named Kumbha. There is a plot inspired by Indiana Jones set against the mystical backdrop of Kashi. There are action sequences shot across the wilds of Kenya from Masai Mara to Mount Kilimanjaro. There is talk of this being a two part cinematic universe. And there is a title reveal event so grand that it needs a 130 feet wide screen and over 50,000 people in attendance.
Share this with every movie buff you know because what is coming is not just a film. It is an event. It is history in the making. And you definitely do not want to miss being part of the conversation when it explodes.
The Woman Who Redefined Global Cinema Returns
Priyanka Chopra Jonas needs no introduction but let us give her the moment she deserves anyway. The woman who went from Bollywood to Hollywood, conquered international television with Quantico, married a Jonas Brother, became a UNICEF ambassador and built a production empire is finally coming home. And she is not tiptoeing back. She is storming in as Mandakini.
SS Rajamouli himself introduced her character with words that sent chills down spines. He called her the woman who redefined Indian cinema on the global stage and welcomed the Desi Girl back. He wrote that he cannot wait for the world to witness the myriad shades of Mandakini. That phrase alone tells you this character is not one dimensional. Mandakini is complex. She is fierce. She is layered.
The first look poster shows Priyanka draped in a gorgeous yellow saree, her expression intense and focused. Around her, chaos unfolds. Flames. Danger. Action. And in her hand, a gun. The styling is traditional yet modern. The vibe is rooted yet global. It screams Rajamouli. This is a director who knows how to marry Indian aesthetics with international appeal. He did it with RRR where Ram Charan and Jr NTR wore dhotis while performing death defying stunts. He is doing it again with Priyanka.
This marks Priyanka’s Telugu debut which is a huge deal. Telugu cinema has been leading the pan India movement. Films like Pushpa, RRR, Baahubali and Kalki have proven that language is no barrier when content is king. Priyanka stepping into this space with Rajamouli at the helm is a strategic masterstroke. She gets to work with one of the finest filmmakers in the world. She gets to be part of a film designed for global domination. And she gets to remind everyone why she is a force to be reckoned with.
Her last Indian film was The Sky Is Pink in 2019. That was six years ago. In between, she acted in Hollywood projects, produced content, launched businesses and became one of the most recognized Indian faces globally. Now she is bringing all that international experience and star power back to the Indian film industry. And if the buzz is anything to go by, Mandakini might just be her career defining role.
Tag someone who thinks Priyanka Chopra is unstoppable because this comeback is about to break the internet all over again.
Enter Kumbha, The Villain You Will Never Forget
If you thought Priyanka’s reveal was intense, wait till you hear about Prithviraj Sukumaran. The Malayalam superstar has joined SSMB29 as the main antagonist and his character Kumbha is straight out of a sci-fi nightmare. Picture this. A man in a sharp black suit sitting in a wheelchair. But this is no ordinary wheelchair. It is equipped with four robotic cybernetic arms that extend menacingly around him. The vibe is sinister. Ruthless. Powerful.
Rajamouli himself praised Prithviraj after shooting the first scene. He called him one of the finest actors he has ever worked with. Coming from a director who has worked with legends, that is high praise. Rajamouli said that bringing life to this sinister, ruthless, powerful antagonist was creatively very satisfying. He thanked Prithvi for slipping into his chair, literally.
Fans immediately started comparing Kumbha to characters from Krrish 3 and Marvel villains. The wheelchair with robotic arms gives major Doctor Octopus vibes from Spider Man. But knowing Rajamouli, this will not be a copy. It will be an original creation that blends technology, mythology and raw emotion. Rajamouli does not do surface level villains. His antagonists have depth, motivation and backstories that make you almost sympathize with them even when they are doing terrible things.
Prithviraj is known for choosing challenging roles and this one seems tailor made for him. Playing a physically restricted yet immensely powerful villain requires nuance. It requires an actor who can convey menace through expressions, voice and presence rather than just physical dominance. Prithviraj has proven time and again in films like Lucifer, Mumbai Police and Kuruthi that he can handle complex characters with ease.
The addition of Prithviraj also signals that SSMB29 is not just a Telugu film. It is a pan India project. Mahesh Babu is a Telugu superstar. Priyanka is Bollywood royalty with a global footprint. Prithviraj brings the Malayalam audience. Together, they form a casting ensemble that appeals to every corner of India and beyond. Rajamouli is building a cinematic universe that transcends regional boundaries and speaks a universal language of storytelling.
Mahesh Babu, The Superstar Ready to Conquer the World
While character reveals for Priyanka and Prithviraj have created waves, the man at the center of it all remains a delicious mystery. Mahesh Babu. One of the biggest superstars in Indian cinema. A man whose films regularly cross Rs 200 crore at the box office. A man whose collaboration with SS Rajamouli has been one of the most anticipated pairings in cinema history.
Mahesh Babu has reportedly been preparing for this role like never before. Reports suggest he has undergone a massive physical transformation. His diet, workout regimen, hairstyle, everything has been meticulously planned. This is not just another film for him. This is his global debut. His chance to step onto the world stage the way RRR introduced Ram Charan and Jr NTR to international audiences.
The plot reportedly revolves around a rugged explorer on a high stakes mission through uncharted terrain. Inspired by Indiana Jones and African adventure classics, the film follows this explorer as he battles nature, mystery and a powerful enemy to uncover a long lost secret that could change the world. Think ancient legends, wild landscapes and edge of your seat thrills. Mahesh Babu is expected to embody this rugged explorer with a mix of charm, intensity and vulnerability.
What makes this even more exciting is that this is not a one film deal. SSMB29 is planned as a two part cinematic wonder. Writer Vijayendra Prasad, who is also Rajamouli’s father and the brain behind Baahubali and RRR, has confirmed that the script has the potential to build a cinematic universe. There is scope for multiple stars, interconnected stories and hair raising moments spread across two films. Mahesh Babu is not just signing up for a movie. He is signing up for a legacy.
The buzz around Mahesh Babu’s look and performance is at an all time high. Fans have been waiting for years to see him team up with Rajamouli. Now that it is finally happening, expectations are sky high. And if the secrecy around his character reveal is any indication, Rajamouli is saving the best for last. The grand title reveal event on November 15 is expected to showcase Mahesh Babu’s first look and it is rumored to be nothing short of spectacular.
The Making of a Rs 1200 Crore Epic
Let us talk numbers because they matter. SSMB29 is being made on a budget that reportedly ranges between Rs 900 crore to Rs 1200 crore. Yes, you read that right. This is not just a big budget film. This is the biggest budget film in Indian cinema history. To put it in perspective, RRR was made on a budget of around Rs 550 crore. Baahubali 2 cost approximately Rs 250 crore. SSMB29 is double or even triple that.
Producer KL Narayana of Durga Arts is bankrolling this mammoth project. He is known for films like Kshana Kshanam, Santhosham and Hello Brother. But SSMB29 is on a completely different scale. The investment reflects the ambition. Rajamouli is not making a regional film. He is making a global spectacle designed to release in 120 countries simultaneously. The target is not just Indian audiences. The target is the world.
Shooting has taken the team across continents. In India, major sequences were filmed in Odisha’s Koraput district. From the Talamali hills to the highest peak Deomali, action sequences were shot against the backdrop of dense jungles, waterfalls and hilly terrain. The natural beauty of Odisha provided the perfect canvas for the film’s adventure theme. Hyderabad has also been a key shooting location with rumors that the makers are recreating Kashi, the land of Shiva, on massive sets because shooting at real locations would be logistically impossible for a film of this scale.
But the real showstopper is Kenya. Nearly 95 percent of all African sequences for SSMB29 were shot in Kenya. Rajamouli’s 120 member crew traveled across breathtaking landscapes. From the sweeping plains of Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha to the rugged terrains of Samburu and the iconic Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Kenyan officials confirmed that the director selected Kenya after extensive location scouting across East Africa. The country’s diverse landscapes, wildlife and natural beauty made it the ideal choice.
The scale of production is mind blowing. Rajamouli is known for his meticulous planning and attention to detail. Every frame in his films is carefully designed. Every action sequence is choreographed to perfection. Every emotional beat is earned. With SSMB29, he is pushing boundaries even further. The film is not just about spectacle. It is about storytelling that resonates emotionally while delivering visual grandeur.
Do not miss out on being part of this cinematic revolution because films like this come once in a generation.
The Grand Title Reveal Event That Will Break Records
Mark your calendars. November 15, 2025. That is the day the world will finally know the official title of SSMB29. But this is not just a title reveal. This is an event. A celebration. A spectacle in itself. The makers have planned something so grand that it is already making headlines even before it happens.
The event will take place at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. Over 50,000 people are expected to attend in person. But if you cannot be there, do not worry. The entire event will be live streamed exclusively on JioHotstar at 7 pm IST. The teaser and first look will be unveiled on a gigantic screen measuring 130 feet wide and 100 feet tall. This is officially the largest screen ever used for a film reveal in India. Let that sink in.
The makers have released a special advisory for attendees. No entry without a pass. Strict security measures. No one under the age of 18 or senior citizens above a certain age will be allowed due to safety concerns. The event is expected to feature live performances, record breaking visuals and the global debut of the teaser. Rajamouli is known for his grand launches. The RRR trailer launch created a massive buzz. The Baahubali teaser broke the internet. SSMB29’s title reveal is expected to surpass all of that.
Speculation is rife about what the film will be titled. Some reports suggest Varanasi, referencing the Kashi connection. Others believe it will be Globetrotter, which has been used in promotional material. Whatever the title, it will need to capture the scale, ambition and emotion of the story. Rajamouli’s titles are never random. Baahubali meant the one with strong arms. RRR stood for Raudra Ranarangam Ranam, meaning Rage Revolt Rebellion. SSMB29’s title will carry weight and meaning.
The event is also expected to feature appearances from the entire cast including Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Fans will get to see them together for the first time. The chemistry, the energy, the excitement will be palpable. Social media is already buzzing with countdowns. Fan clubs are organizing viewing parties. This is not just a film industry event. This is a cultural moment.
The Indiana Jones Connection and the Kashi Mystery
So what is the story? Details have been kept under wraps but leaks and official hints paint an exciting picture. SSMB29 is reportedly inspired by Indiana Jones and African adventure classics. It follows a rugged explorer on a high stakes mission through uncharted terrain. He battles nature, mystery and a powerful enemy to uncover a long lost secret that could change the world. Ancient legends, wild landscapes and edge of your seat thrills are promised.
But there is a deeper layer. The core premise is set against the backdrop of Kashi, also known as Varanasi. Kashi is not just a location in this film. It is a character. The land of Shiva, one of the oldest living cities in the world, holds spiritual and historical significance. The film’s adventure in the present is rooted in something ancient connected to Kashi. This blend of mythology and modernity is classic Rajamouli. He did it with Baahubali by merging palace intrigue with epic warfare. He did it with RRR by blending history with fiction.
Reports suggest that the makers are recreating Kashi on massive sets in Hyderabad because filming at real locations would be difficult for a project of this scale. Imagine the grandeur of Baahubali’s Mahishmati kingdom but now applied to the sacred city of Kashi with its ghats, temples and mystical aura. The visual potential is staggering.
The globe trotting aspect takes the story beyond India. The Kenyan sequences involving jungles, wildlife and rugged terrains suggest treasure hunts, ancient maps, hidden temples and life threatening obstacles. The African adventure classics influence is clear. But Rajamouli will add his own flavor. His films are deeply rooted in Indian culture even when they explore universal themes. SSMB29 will likely balance the Indiana Jones adventure template with Indian mythology, values and emotions.
The villain Kumbha with his cybernetic arms hints at a technological angle. Is the secret they are chasing something that blends ancient mysticism with modern science? Is Kumbha trying to harness an ancient power for destructive purposes while our hero tries to protect it? The possibilities are endless and that is what makes the wait so thrilling.
Priyanka, Mahesh, Prithviraj and the Dream Cast
Let us appreciate this casting for a moment. Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in one film directed by SS Rajamouli. This is not just star power. This is a masterclass in casting. Each actor brings something unique to the table.
Mahesh Babu is the quintessential Telugu superstar. He has the looks, the charm, the action chops and the emotional range. Films like Srimanthudu, Bharat Ane Nenu and Sarileru Neekevvaru have established him as a bankable star with mass appeal. His collaboration with Rajamouli elevates him to a global platform.
Priyanka Chopra is the international face. She has walked red carpets across the world, starred in Hollywood films, worked with global icons and built a brand that transcends borders. Her return to Indian cinema with SSMB29 brings international attention and credibility. Western audiences who may not know Mahesh Babu will recognize Priyanka. Her presence ensures the film gets traction in markets beyond India.
Prithviraj Sukumaran is the actor’s actor. Known for his versatility, intensity and commitment to craft, he brings gravitas to the villain role. Malayalam cinema has produced some of the finest actors in India and Prithviraj is at the forefront. His inclusion adds a layer of artistic credibility and expands the film’s reach to Kerala and beyond.
But the cast does not end there. Reports suggest supporting roles will feature other talented actors from across Indian cinema. Rajamouli is known for assembling ensemble casts where even small roles are memorable. In RRR, every character from Ajay Devgn’s cameo to Alia Bhatt’s brief appearance left an impact. Expect SSMB29 to follow the same template with a mix of established stars and talented newcomers.
The chemistry between the leads will be crucial. Mahesh and Priyanka’s pairing is fresh and exciting. Their dynamic will define the emotional core of the film. Meanwhile, the face offs between Mahesh and Prithviraj promise to be electrifying. Rajamouli excels at creating iconic hero villain confrontations. Think Amarendra Baahubali versus Bhallaladeva. Think Alluri Sitarama Raju versus Scott Buxton. Now imagine Mahesh versus Prithviraj with Rajamouli orchestrating every beat.
Comment below which character you are most excited to see because this ensemble is pure gold.
The Two Part Plan and Cinematic Universe Potential
Here is where it gets really interesting. SSMB29 is not just one film. It is planned as a two part series with the potential to spawn a larger cinematic universe. Writer Vijayendra Prasad has confirmed that the script has immense scope. Multiple stars can be part of the action entertainer. There are interconnected stories, hair raising moments and enough material to sustain multiple films.
Rajamouli has experience with this. Baahubali was famously split into two parts. The first film introduced the world, characters and conflict. The second film delivered payoffs, twists and an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Together, they created a phenomenon that changed Indian cinema. SSMB29 seems poised to follow a similar path but on an even grander scale.
The two part structure allows for deeper storytelling. Character arcs can be developed over time. The world can be explored in detail. Audiences can be taken on a longer journey with higher stakes. It also ensures sustained buzz. The gap between Part 1 and Part 2 keeps the conversation alive. Fans theorize, speculate and debate. Marketing becomes easier because the anticipation builds naturally.
The cinematic universe angle is even more ambitious. Imagine spin offs focusing on supporting characters. Imagine prequels exploring the ancient legends tied to Kashi. Imagine crossovers bringing characters from different films together. Marvel proved that cinematic universes can be immensely profitable and creatively rewarding when done right. Rajamouli and Vijayendra Prasad have the storytelling chops to pull it off.
SSMB29 could be the beginning of something much bigger. A franchise that spans decades. A mythology that expands across films, web series, books and more. The potential is limitless and that is what makes this project so thrilling. This is not just a movie. This is the foundation of an empire.
March 2027, A Date the World Will Remember
SSMB29 is scheduled to release in March 2027. That might seem far away but considering the scale and ambition, it makes sense. Rajamouli is not rushing. He is taking the time to get every detail right. Post production for a film of this magnitude will require months. Visual effects, sound design, music, color grading, everything needs to be perfect.
The March 2027 release date positions SSMB29 as a major cultural event. It will be released in 120 countries simultaneously. The global rollout will be coordinated and massive. Rajamouli’s previous films have performed exceptionally well internationally. RRR grossed over Rs 1200 crore worldwide and even earned an Oscar nomination for Naatu Naatu. Baahubali 2 crossed Rs 1800 crore globally. SSMB29 is expected to shatter those records.
The film will be released in multiple languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and English. Dubbing and localization will be handled carefully to ensure the essence is preserved. Rajamouli understands that language is not a barrier when emotions are universal. His films have connected with audiences from Tokyo to Toronto because they speak the language of pure cinema.
March is an interesting release window. It avoids the crowded summer and holiday seasons. It gives the film breathing room to dominate the box office without major competition. It also aligns with the global awards season timeline. If SSMB29 releases in March 2027 and performs well, it could be positioned for the 2028 Oscars. RRR’s success at the Academy Awards proved that Indian cinema can compete on the world stage. SSMB29 has the potential to go even further.
Why This Film Matters Beyond Box Office
SSMB29 is more than a commercial venture. It is a statement. A declaration that Indian cinema can stand shoulder to shoulder with Hollywood in terms of scale, ambition and storytelling. For years, Indian films were seen as regional products with limited international appeal. Films like Baahubali, RRR and now SSMB29 are changing that perception.
This film represents the dreams of an entire industry. It showcases India’s filmmaking capabilities. The talent behind the camera, the actors in front of it, the technicians, designers, composers, everyone is contributing to something historic. If SSMB29 succeeds globally, it opens doors for countless other filmmakers and actors. It proves that stories rooted in Indian culture can resonate universally.
For fans, this is a moment of pride. Seeing Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj share screen space in a Rajamouli film is a dream come true. For aspiring filmmakers, SSMB29 is a masterclass in ambition and execution. For the business side, it is a case study in how to build hype, manage expectations and deliver value.
The film also highlights India as a production destination. Shooting across Odisha, Hyderabad and Kenya showcases the country’s diverse landscapes. It puts Indian locations on the global map. Tourism, infrastructure, local talent, everything benefits when a project of this scale chooses to film in India.
The Final Countdown Begins
November 15 is just days away. The countdown has begun. Fans are marking calendars, setting reminders and planning viewing parties. Social media is exploding with fan art, theories and excitement. Every new update sends the internet into a frenzy. The title reveal, the teaser, Mahesh Babu’s first look, everything is building towards a crescendo.
This is the magic of cinema. The ability to unite millions of people in shared anticipation. The power to create moments that transcend screens and become part of cultural memory. SSMB29 is not just a film. It is an experience. It is a celebration. It is history in the making.
So get ready. Clear your schedule for November 15. Gather your friends and family. Tune into JioHotstar at 7 pm. Be part of the moment when Rajamouli unveils his next masterpiece. Be part of the conversation that will dominate headlines for weeks. Be part of the journey that will redefine what Indian cinema can achieve.
Share this article with every movie lover you know. Comment below which aspect of SSMB29 excites you the most. Follow for more updates because the next few months are going to be absolutely insane. The adventure begins soon and you do not want to miss a single moment.
The world is about to witness something extraordinary. Are you ready?
