What Happened
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The film’s third schedule—set in Kenya for mid‑July—was scrapped due to ongoing protests and instability on the ground
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Rajamouli prioritized the creative vision but refused to compromise the crew’s safety
Why It Matters
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This marks a significant logistical pivot, reflecting Rajamouli’s commitment to both safety and maintaining the exotic visual tone he envisions.
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SSMB29, touted as a global-scale Indiana Jones–style action-adventure, has already filmed in Hyderabad and Odisha. The Kenya schedule was key to portraying untrodden landscapes
Plan B: Tanzania & South Africa
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The production is now in the permit stage for Tanzania’s highlands and select South African locales.
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These destinations offer the rugged visual aesthetics Rajamouli seeks—rarely captured in Indian cinema—and are expected to begin by the third week of July
| Next Steps | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|
| Permit approvals in Tanzania/South Africa | Next 10 days |
Shoot begins in new African locale |
~Late July |
Impact on Cast & Crew
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Mahesh Babu’s role as a globe-traveling explorer—akin to Indiana Jones—relies heavily on distinctive landscapes.
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Priyanka Chopra’s return to Indian cinema alongside Rajamouli’s ambitious project heightens international expectations
Behind the Scenes
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Cinematographer P.S. Vinod (a shift from longtime collaborator K.K. Senthil Kumar) is capturing this fresh Africa look, promising a visually grand spectacle
Closing Thoughts
Rajamouli’s bold decision underlines his dual focus on creative ambition and team safety. Should Tanzania or South Africa live up to expectations, SSMB29 might set a new standard in how Indian blockbusters capture undiscovered terrain.
Key Takeaways
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Shoots canceled in Kenya due to unrest
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New sites: Tanzania highlands & South Africa
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Begin filming: Around late July, pending permissions
Reviewed by Aparna Decors
on
July 15, 2025
Rating:
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