SS Rajamouli, the acclaimed director known for his grand cinematic spectacles, is making headlines again as casting details emerge for his highly anticipated film titled SSMB 29. This film promises to be another blockbuster, following the massive success of his previous work, RRR. Featuring popular stars such as Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, SSMB 29 is expected to set new benchmarks for the Indian film industry.
Mahesh Babu is set to headline the film, continuing his collaboration with Rajamouli, which has fans buzzing with excitement. But it’s Priyanka Chopra’s involvement that's turning heads, as she has reportedly negotiated a staggering ₹25 crore for her role, which makes her the highest-paid actress in the Indian film industry. This pay surpasses her contemporaries, establishing new norms for remuneration within Bollywood. For perspective, Deepika Padukone was paid around ₹13 crore for her role in Kalki 2898 AD, highlighting just how significant Chopra's compensation is.
But there’s more speculation surrounding the cast. Acted by Prithviraj Sukumaran, known for his versatility and strong performances, the actor has recently been linked with SSMB 29. When asked about the rumor of playing the antagonist, Prithviraj remained tight-lipped but enthusiastically shared his admiration for Rajamouli, saying, "With respect to all these projects, there are a lot of things to be discussed, before we can confirm anything." He also added, "I am a huge fan of Rajamouli sir. I have always sort of looked up to him, both as a filmmaker and as a dreamer." This statement increased speculation about his role, leaving fans eager for confirmation.
Reportedly, the film will see its production gear up soon, with high hopes set on capturing international audiences thanks to its expansive budget, rumored to be around ₹1,000 crore. This colossal budget signifies Rajamouli’s ambition to push boundaries and raise the bar for quality cinema, similar to the visual spectacles we've seen from him before.
The directorial choice of filming in the exotic forests of Kenya adds yet another layer of intrigue. The choice of location promises stunning visuals and serves to underline the film's scope, aligning with Rajamouli's penchant for breathtaking backdrops—a signature of his storytelling style.
Industry experts suggest the high remuneration packages for actresses like Chopra are not solely based on their acting prowess. Rather, their influence extends beyond cinema—a consideration of their massive social media followings and international endorsements. Sridhar, speaking about the shifting dynamics of actress salaries, stated, "Their reach creates a huge viewership base, enhancing their brand equity. This justifies their high remunerations, and Telugu filmmakers see it as a worthy investment." Therefore, Chopra's fee is reflective of her standing as not just a film star but also as a powerful brand advocate.
Despite the excitement surrounding the casting and the grandeur of the film's production, one cannot overlook the buzz created by Prithviraj's upcoming projects as well. His highly anticipated directorial venture, Empuraan, is set to release soon, and he is focusing his energies toward it. Still, the speculation around SSMB 29 remains rampant.
Fans are inviting the idea of seeing Prithviraj share screen time with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, both leading figures of Indian cinema. The combination of these three actors on the same project could spell magic at the box office and promise exhilarating entertainment for moviegoers.
With Rajamouli at the helm, expectations are sky high for SSMB 29. Given his previous successes, the groundwork for yet another cinematic phenomenon is already underway. Whether you're rooting for Mahesh Babu, intrigued by Priyanka Chopra’s impressive fee, or ardent about Prithviraj's potential role, the film is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about projects of the coming years.
SSMB 29 holds the promise of redefined expectations for Indian cinema, pushing its stars to new heights and potentially reshaping industry norms. The buzz surrounding casting choices, pay packets, and ambitious production plans reflects the growing market and the bold moves being made by leading filmmakers. Movie buffs worldwide will undoubtedly be keeping their eyes peeled for updates on this monumental project.