Director S.S. Rajamouli, known for his grand vision and meticulous filmmaking, is currently in the process of recreating the sacred city of Varanasi in Hyderabad for his upcoming film, tentatively titled "SSMB29," starring Mahesh Babu in the lead role. The film, which has already generated considerable buzz, is reportedly a large-scale action-adventure rooted in Indian history and interwoven with mythological elements, with the core conflict of the story connected to the history of Varanasi, also known as Kashi.
Given the logistical challenges and potential disruptions associated with shooting in an actual crowded location like Varanasi, Rajamouli has opted to construct a massive set in Hyderabad. Sources indicate that this elaborate set is being built at Ramoji Film City and in the aluminum factory area of Hyderabad, with a significant investment of approximately ₹50 crore allocated specifically for this purpose. Every detail is being carefully considered to ensure the set authentically replicates the look and feel of Varanasi. This includes the iconic temples, the ghats along the Ganges River, and the general architectural style synonymous with the ancient city.
The decision to create a set rather than film on location in Varanasi was also influenced by security concerns. After leaked visuals from an outdoor shoot in Odisha went viral, Rajamouli has become more cautious about filming in public places where unauthorized photography and videography are difficult to control. By moving the Varanasi schedule to an indoor set, the production team can better manage security and prevent further leaks.
"SSMB29" has been described as an action-adventure in the vein of Indiana Jones, blending historical and mythological elements with a contemporary storyline. The film is penned by Rajamouli's father, the veteran writer Vijayendra Prasad. Besides Mahesh Babu, the film reportedly stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles, although official confirmation of the full cast and crew is still awaited. The music is being composed by M.M. Keeravani.
The film is expected to follow Rajamouli's signature hybrid format, which combines real locations with elaborate sets. In addition to the Varanasi set, the team has already filmed in real forest locations in Odisha, and is also planning to shoot abroad. The storyline reportedly involves Mahesh Babu's character embarking on a quest for a special "jadi buti" (medicinal herbs and roots) across the world, adding a mythological angle reminiscent of Hanuman's search for Sanjeevani in the Ramayana.
With a reported budget of ₹1000 crore, "SSMB29" is poised to be one of the most expensive films in Indian cinema history. The film is slated to be released in multiple Indian languages and distributed internationally. While there has been speculation about a release date coinciding with the fifth anniversary of "RRR" in March 2027, the official release date is yet to be announced.
