SSMB29: Rajamouli Builds ₹50 Crore Set for Mahesh Babu’s Film—A Record in Indian Cinema?
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli, known for pushing cinematic boundaries, is once again making headlines—this time for constructing what could be the most expensive film set in Indian cinema history for his next pan-India project, SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu.
According to reports, a massive ₹50 crore has been spent to recreate the ancient city of Varanasi inside Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. The scale and detail of the set are said to rival and even surpass the grandeur seen in classics like Devdas, Bajirao Mastani, and Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo, where individual sets typically ranged between ₹15–20 crore.
The decision to build a replica was driven by logistical difficulties associated with shooting in real Varanasi—managing crowds along the riverbanks, tight street layouts, and local permissions posed significant challenges. Hence, Rajamouli opted to construct an authentic, lifelike replica, complete with iconic ghats, temples, and riverfronts, ensuring cinematic perfection without real-world restrictions.
This ambitious set is just one piece of a grand puzzle. The film, rumored to be inspired by mythological elements of Lord Hanuman, including themes of exploration and healing herbs at Mount Dronagiri, is said to be mounted on a staggering ₹1,000 crore budget, easily making it one of India’s most expensive films ever.
SSMB29 also stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran and features music by Oscar winner MM Keeravaani. With such star power and Rajamouli’s signature scale, this film could redefine the benchmark for big-budget Indian cinema.
