S.S. Rajamouli is taking things to a whole new level with SSMB29, and the talk of the town is a jaw-dropping ₹50 crore Varanasi set built at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City. Starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, this epic fantasy adventure is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s boldest projects ever. With a ₹1,000 crore budget, the film’s massive recreation of Varanasi’s ghats and temples is stealing the show. Here’s why this set’s got everyone buzzing and what it means for SSMB29.
A ₹50 Crore Varanasi That’s Unreal
Rajamouli, the mastermind behind Baahubali’s kingdoms and RRR’s epic action, has outdone himself. Instead of shooting in the real Varanasi—tricky with crowds and permits—he’s recreated the city’s vibe in Hyderabad. The set, built with Nagara-style architecture, includes detailed ghats, temples, and riverfronts, costing a wild ₹50 crore, making it one of the priciest sets in Indian film history. Leaked photos circulating online show its massive scale against Hyderabad’s skyline, leaving fans in awe.
A source close to the production told Hindustan Times (via Bollywood Hungama) that Rajamouli’s obsessed with nailing every detail to make it feel like you’re actually in Varanasi. Nearly finished as of June 19, 2025, the set will host major action scenes with Mahesh Babu, blending practical elements with top-tier Hollywood VFX. A big chunk of the budget’s going into visuals, aiming for a cinematic spectacle that rivals global blockbusters.
Why Varanasi? It’s Tied to the Story
SSMB29 is a fantasy action-adventure inspired by Wilbur Smith’s novels and rooted in Indian mythology, with hints of Ramayana vibes. Mahesh Babu’s character is rumored to channel Lord Hanuman, chasing a mythical herb like Sanjivani on a global quest. Varanasi, a spiritual hub, plays a big role in the plot, with key scenes set against its iconic backdrop, including a Manikarnika Ghat replica. Building the set in Hyderabad lets Rajamouli control every frame, just like he crafted Mahishmati for Baahubali.
The Big Picture: SSMB29’s Epic Scope
This Varanasi set is just one part of SSMB29’s massive vision. With a ₹1,000 crore budget—bigger than Kalki 2898 AD’s ₹600 crore—it’s India’s most expensive film to date. Produced by K.L. Narayana under Sri Durga Arts, it’s a single 210-minute epic, not a two-parter, eyeing a March 2027 release. Filming’s already rolled in Hyderabad and Odisha’s Talamali hilltop, with a July shoot planned in Kenya’s national parks for gritty forest action scenes with Mahesh and Priyanka.
The cast is a dream team: Mahesh Babu’s bulking up for his Hanuman-inspired role, Priyanka’s making a big comeback to Indian films, and Prithviraj’s playing the villain. M.M. Keeravani’s handling the music, P.S. Vinod’s on cinematography, and Vijayendra Prasad wrote the story, promising Rajamouli’s classic mix of heart and spectacle. Fans are calling it a game-changer, with some saying it could pull in ₹2,000 crore at the box office if it lives up to the hype.
Fans Are Hyped
The ₹50 crore set has got everyone talking online, with fans gushing over its scale and detail. Some are even comparing it to Hollywood productions, noting that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s entire Devdas cost less than this single set. It’s a bold move that shows Rajamouli’s pushing Indian cinema to compete globally, blending practical sets with Hollywood VFX to create something huge.
What’s Next?
With the Varanasi set almost done, the team’s gearing up for Kenya, where Mahesh and Priyanka will shoot some intense action. Rajamouli’s track record with RRR and Baahubali has fans convinced he’s got another hit on his hands. The ₹50 crore set is just a taste of what’s coming in 2027.
Source: India.com