Mahesh Babu Returns for Record-Breaking ₹1,200 Crore Rajamouli Film 

After a family vacation, Mahesh Babu prepares for a stunt-heavy role in Rajamouli’s SSMB29.

Mahesh Babu with family quiet exit

What does it take to prepare for a film that costs more than the GDP of some small nations?

For Mahesh Babu, it begins with a quiet exit from an airport. After celebrating the New Year at an undisclosed destination with Namrata Shirodkar, Shilpa Shirodkar, and his children, the superstar is back in Hyderabad.

But the “happy mood” captured by the cameras belies the intense physical transformation that awaits him.

He isn’t just returning to work; he is returning to a vision curated by SS Rajamouli—a director known for demanding nothing less than total devotion from his leading men.

Ditching the Double

The most striking update from the world of SSMB29 is Mahesh Babu’s decision to perform his own stunts.

In an industry where body doubles are the standard for high-risk sequences, Babu is choosing the path of “extreme authenticity.”

This isn’t just about bravado; it’s about the “Rajamouli Effect.” Much like Prabhas in Baahubali or Ram Charan in RRR, Babu is expected to undergo a radical physical overhaul to ensure that every punch and every leap feels grounded in reality.

The Cost of Global Ambition

With a reported budget of ₹1,200 crore, the film—tentatively titled or themed around Varanasi—is a financial titan. But where does that money go?

• Logistical Complexity: Principal photography has already spanned Hyderabad, Tanzania, Kenya, and Odisha. Filming in African wilderness requires specialized crews, wildlife handlers, and massive insurance overheads.
• The “Globe-Trotting” Narrative: Co-written by the legendary V. Vijayendra Prasad, the story is rooted in Indian culture but structured like a classic international adventure. This requires a “look and feel” that competes with Hollywood’s Indiana Jones or Uncharted.
• A Star-Studded Canvas: Bringing together Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra creates a pan-Indian (and international) appeal that justifies the gargantuan marketing and production spend.

The Senthil “Exit” Paradox

Fans were shocked to learn that Senthil Kumar, the visual architect behind Baahubali and RRR, will not be part of this project.

While many view this as a loss, it is actually a calculated risk for innovation.

1. Visual Stagnation is the Enemy: Rajamouli is aware that his “visual language” needs to change for a globe-trotting adventure. Using a different cinematographer allows him to break away from the “mythological/epic” aesthetic of his previous hits and move toward a more modern, gritty, or cinematic adventure style.
2. The “Call” for Freshness: Rajamouli’s decision to “try someone new” indicates a desire to be challenged. For a filmmaker at his level, the greatest danger isn’t failure—it’s repetition.
3. Physicality over Pixels: By pushing Mahesh Babu to do his own stunts, the reliance on CGI (which Senthil masters) might be slightly reduced in favor of raw, practical action, necessitating a different camera approach.

The Road to Varanasi

As production moves into its next high-gear phase, the world is watching. This isn’t just Mahesh Babu’s 29th film; it is a cultural event designed to place Telugu cinema at the center of the global map.

The airport smiles may be the last bit of relaxation the actor sees for a long time, as he prepares to venture from the temples of India to the plains of Africa.

Summary of Key Points

• Vacation Over: Mahesh Babu has returned to India after a New Year family holiday.
• Physical Commitment: The actor will perform his own stunts in the upcoming SS Rajamouli film.
• Budget & Scale: With a ₹1,200 crore budget, the film is one of India’s most expensive projects ever.
• Creative Changes: Long-time collaborator Senthil Kumar will not be the cinematographer for this project.