SS Rajamouli not to collaborate with cinematographer Senthil Kumar in SSMb29, latter confirms

Even though they have collaborated on a number of successful films, such as Baahubali and RRR, the director has decided to hire a new cinematographer for his next project.

SS Rajamouli, who is currently preparing for his much-anticipated project SSMB29, has decided not to collaborate with cinematographer Senthil Kumar for this film.

Even though they have collaborated on a number of successful films, such as Baahubali and RRR, the director has decided to hire a new cinematographer for his next project.

Senthil Kumar recently confirmed the development, stating that the decision was entirely Rajamouli’s. In a statement to Telugu360, he shared, “It was Rajamouli’s call. He wanted to try someone else. People want to do different films with different people, right? So it is a good break.”

Importantly, the seasoned cinematographer clarified that the change has not affected his personal or professional bond with Rajamouli. “We’ve been working together since 2003, but we didn’t always do films back-to-back. There were breaks earlier too. I couldn’t do Maryada Ramanna or Vikramarkudu because I was working on other projects. Gaps have happened before also, but the relationship continues,” he explained.

Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra will play the main parts in SSMB29. Rajamouli has kept the plot and other important details tightly under wraps, shrouding the project in secrecy.

The production team had originally intended to start filming in Kenya by the middle of July, according to recent reports. However, the shoot was cancelled because of the growing public unrest and anti-government demonstrations in the area.

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According to Mid-Day, the actors' and crew's safety came first, so the producers looked into other foreign locales.

With South Africa emerging as the leading candidate, the team is currently working on obtaining the required permits in new locations. Filming is anticipated to start there by the third week of July if permits are received in time.