Hyderabad, July 9, 2025 — The production team behind the highly anticipated Telugu action-adventure film SSMB29, directed by SS Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is reportedly reassessing its planned shooting schedule in Kenya due to escalating political tensions in the region.
Originally slated to begin filming in East Africa in the second week of July, the Kenya schedule was expected to feature intense action sequences set against the backdrop of the country’s dense forests and iconic landscapes. Rajamouli, known for his visual grandeur, had previously conducted a location recce in Kenya in 2024, identifying sites such as Masai Mara and Tsavo National Parks for key scenes.
However, recent reports suggest that the team is now uncertain about proceeding with the shoot as planned. According to sources cited by Filmfare and News18, the ongoing political clashes in Kenya have prompted the filmmakers to reconsider the logistics and safety of the African leg of production. While no official statement has been released, insiders indicate that it is “unlikely” the shoot will take place in Kenya at this time.
SSMB29, tentatively titled and shrouded in secrecy, is described as a globe-trotting action-adventure inspired by the Indiana Jones franchise. The film marks Rajamouli’s first collaboration with Mahesh Babu and features Priyanka Chopra in a pivotal role. The screenplay is being developed by veteran writer Vijayendra Prasad, with music composed by Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravani.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Kenya schedule, production continues in other locations, including Odisha, where earlier phases of filming were completed. The film is reportedly being made on a massive budget of ₹1000 crore and has already secured a record-breaking OTT deal with Netflix for post-theatrical streaming rights.
The team remains hopeful that conditions in Kenya will stabilize, allowing them to resume plans for the African shoot. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await further updates on what promises to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects to date.
