Priyanka Chopra is making headlines for her role as the female lead alongside superstar Mahesh Babu in the much-anticipated film SSMB29, directed by the renowned SS Rajamouli. With the film’s production marked by excitement and high expectations, Chopra's involvement has quickly turned it from yet another Indian project to the global spotlight.
Reports have surfaced indicating Chopra will earn ₹30 crore for her role, which, if confirmed, would make her the highest-paid actress in Indian cinema. This record-breaking paycheck has stirred significant buzz within the film industry as it is among the most substantial amounts ever secured by an actress this scale. The figure is especially remarkable when compared to the reported ₹20 crore payday for Deepika Padukone on her recent ventures.
Chopra's participation was solidified after her arrival at the film's set in Hyderabad, where she was seen mingling with Rajamouli and composer M.M. Keeravani. While the film itself promises action and adventure, it also signifies Chopra's return to Hindi cinema after her most recent film, The Sky Is Pink, released back in 2019.
The shooting for SSMB29 kicked off later this month at the Aluminium Factory, with plans to film key sequences on location, including the forests of Kenya. All eyes are on the production as it reportedly boasts a staggering budget of around ₹1000 crore, solidifying its status as one of the largest Indian films produced.
Industry analysts, including prominent film trade analyst Ramesh Bala, have echoed the sentiment of Chopra's impressive earnings, highlighting the shifting dynamics of actor compensations as actresses increasingly command equal pay. Bala pointed out through his X post, "Priyanka's remuneration is set at ₹30 crore, outperforming recent salaries of other top heroines who previously dominated the market."
Despite this significant payday, not all reactions have been positive. Some netizens have taken issue with the justification of her salary, arguing it is excessive, especially considering Chopra's last notable performance was years ago. Critics voiced concerns about her absence from the Indian film scene, questioning whether such compensation aligns with her recent work. Proponents, on the other hand, defended her, arguing she remains one of the industry's most bankable stars, leveraging her international acclaim as evidence of her lasting appeal.
An insider close to the film's production explained the lengthy negotiations around Chopra's salary: "This is why they took so long to announce her participation. She was steadfast on her compensation figure, asking for more initially but finding common ground to agree on ₹30 crore."
The overwhelming buzz surrounding SSMB29 can be attributed to Rajamouli’s reputation for groundbreaking cinematic achievements following hits like RRR and Baahubali, which set benchmarks for the industry. With Chopra’s strong international presence and Babu's star power, this film is expected to blend distinct narratives with breathtaking visuals and compelling storytelling.
Social media reactions reflect this dichotomy of opinions as fans defend Chopra's record fee, recognizing the potential boost her star power can offer. Given the film's ambitious budget, many argue her fee is reasonable as it reflects the scale of not just this production but also the changing paradigm of leading women being equitably compensated. Supporters believe her international fame will help propel SSMB29 beyond the Indian market, facilitating its transition to broader international audiences.
For Chopra, this opportunity is more than just another role; it marks her significant foray back to Indian cinema and her first venture in Telugu films. With star-studded collaboration and extensive filming plans, including locational shoots and extensive production efforts, fans eagerly anticipate the release of SSMB29. Enthusiasm remains high as audiences await updates on the project's progress and the reveal of additional cast members.
Rajamouli, who has crafted his legacy through his unique storytelling, is set to deliver another spectacle, with SSMB29 expected to join the ranks of his previously monumental works. With filming actively progressing, excitement continues to build for what many expect to be another historic entry in Indian cinema.”