Priyanka Chopra, the internationally acclaimed actress, is making waves with her ambitious comeback to Bollywood, enrolling for one of the most anticipated projects, SSMB29. The film, directed by the renowned S.S. Rajamouli and starring Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu, is already drawing considerable attention due to Chopra’s unprecedented remuneration of ₹30 crore, positioning her as the highest-paid actress for the film. This staggering figure puts her at the center of discussions about the changing dynamics of female actors' earnings within the Indian film industry.
Chopra’s return has been highly anticipated since her last significant Hindi project, Bajirao Mastani, released back in 2015. Over the years, she carved her niche globally, working on various successful projects across Hollywood and other international platforms. Her absence from mainstream Bollywood has prompted debates about whether she can regain her foothold alongside current industry heavyweights.
Producer Lagadapati Sridhar noted the evolution of actresses, stating, “They are brands.” He emphasized how their influence extends beyond films, with actresses like Chopra benefiting from massive social media followings and international endorsements, making them invaluable assets to the film industry.
Reports suggest the decision to cast Priyanka came after months of deliberation. It was revealed, “The film is in the final stages of writing, and is all set to go on floors in April 2025.” The project aims to blend local and global appeal, evident from the impressive cast, which is set to include John Abraham alongside Chopra. Initially, Prithviraj had been considered for John’s role, but the team shifted their focus to John when his involvement did not materialize.
The expectation surrounding SSMB29 is monumental. With Rajamouli's films previously achieving massive success—like Baahubali—there is great anticipation for how he will combine the skills of two leading stars from different film industries. Recent reports highlight how the film will not only be shot extensively in Hyderabad but also feature sequences filmed in Kenya, marking it as one of the largest-scale productions ever attempted within Indian cinema.
Despite Chopra’s glowing status, her record-breaking paycheck has not been without scrutiny. Critics have questioned the rationale behind her remuneration, especially pointing out her long absence from Bollywood, as social media users have voiced concerns. Many express doubts about whether her prior performances justify such a high salary, fearing this move might be perceived as desperate marketing to keep her relevant. Yet, others posit this collaboration with Rajamouli will open new doors for her career.
Meanwhile, shooting for SSMB29 has already begun, with strict confidentiality measures put in place, including NDAS for cast and crew along with bans on cell phone use to control information leaks during production. Enthusiasts eagerly await the results of these thrilling endeavors, combining anticipation, skepticism, and curiosity about how Chopra will navigate her comeback.
Rajamouli’s choice to feature Chopra stems from the desire to blend her immense global appeal with Babu’s established star power, aiming to push the boundaries of storytelling and visual spectacle together. The excitement surrounding this film signifies the shift occurring within the Indian film industry, wherein Bollywood and Tollywood are increasingly intermingling their talents to capture global audiences.
Filmmakers across industries are taking note of this trend, as evidenced by the changing salaries of actresses. While Chopra’s earnings far eclipse those of her Tollywood peers—who often work for around ₹4 crore per film—the growing demand for star power and international recognition is reshaping the financial narratives of the industry.
This collaboration is anticipated to not only reshape Chopra's career but also impact the wider film industry, challenging existing norms and possibly setting new benchmarks for actress remuneration, particularly when considering the roles of marketability and star power. Rajamouli's track record of launching new cinematic experiences assures fans and industry insiders alike of his strategic foresight as he crafts yet another ambitious narrative to pave the way for the future of Indian cinema.
The integration of high-profile names and bold financial investments symbolizes the aspirations of filmmakers striving to create narratives catering to both local and global audiences. With the potential success of SSMB29, viewers can expect to see captivating storytelling and unprecedented collaboration among the greatest talents, promising to keep audiences at the edge of their seats.