SS Rajamouli 'captures' Mahesh Babu’s passport for SSMB29; Priyanka Chopra’s comment sparks buzz

SS Rajamouli confirms SSMB29 with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra

After much anticipation, filmmaker SS Rajamouli has officially confirmed his next project, tentatively titled SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. But in true Rajamouli fashion, the announcement was far from ordinary.

Using his signature sense of humor, he jokingly shared that he had "caged the lion" (Mahesh Babu) and taken possession of the actor's passport, ensuring that Mahesh would be fully committed to the film’s shoot. The playful announcement added an extra layer of excitement to the news, teasing fans about what’s to come from this highly anticipated collaboration.

Mahesh Babu responded to Rajamouli's post by quoting a popular dialogue from his 2006 hit film Pokiri. He wrote in Telugu, "Okkasaari commit ayithe naa maata nene vinanu, meaning 'Once I commit, I won't even listen to myself'."

Priyanka Chopra, who recently arrived in Hyderabad and teased a "new chapter in her life," confirmed her role in the film by commenting "finally" on Rajamouli's post.

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If you're wondering about the lion reference in the video, it's because fans have affectionately dubbed Mahesh Babu the "lion" ever since he voiced Mufasa in the Telugu version of Disney's The Lion King. This role made him a beloved figure among fans, much like Shah Rukh Khan, who voiced Mufasa in the Hindi version.

The lion imagery has since become a symbol of Mahesh Babu's strong, regal presence, adding an extra layer of meaning to Rajamouli's playful "caging the lion" comment.

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On January 2, SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu officially launched SSMB29 with a grand puja ceremony in Hyderabad. The duo arrived at the Aluminium Factory, which was beautifully adorned with flowers, banners, and iconic stills from Rajamouli's previous films. The vibrant atmosphere set the perfect tone for the beginning of this highly anticipated collaboration, marking an exciting new chapter for both the filmmaker and the actor.

The shoot for SSMB29 began in January 2025. Written by Vijayendra Prasad and directed by SS Rajamouli, the film promises to be an epic adventure. While the full cast has yet to be revealed, there are rumors suggesting that Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran may be part of the project, though there has been no official confirmation as of now.

SSMB29 is slated to release in theaters in 2028.