According to a report by Pinkvilla, sources close to the project have shared that SS Rajamouli has decided to narrate the entire story of ‘SSMB29’ in a single film, rather than dividing it into two parts. This decision is rooted in his belief that the trend of multi-part films is often misused by filmmakers to unnecessarily extend content for commercial purposes. “He wants to present a film as epic as SSMB29 in just one powerful installment,” the source stated. Much like his global blockbuster RRR, the upcoming Mahesh Babu starrer is expected to have a runtime of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
SS Rajamouli Drops Plan to Release Mahesh Babu’s ‘SSMB29’ in Two Parts: Report
In a surprising turn of events, renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli has reportedly abandoned his initial plan to release his highly anticipated film SSMB29, starring Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, as a two-part epic. According to a recent report by Pinkvilla, the director has opted to consolidate the ambitious project into a single, standalone cinematic spectacle, marking a shift from the multi-part storytelling trend that has dominated Indian cinema in recent years.
The decision comes after months of speculation and excitement surrounding SSMB29, which was originally envisioned as a grand two-part jungle adventure saga, with tentative release dates set for 2027 and 2029. Sources close to the project reveal that Rajamouli reconsidered the two-part format, believing that splitting the narrative might dilute the story’s impact. “Rajamouli feels that many filmmakers have stretched content unnecessarily into multiple parts for commercial reasons. He wants SSMB29 to deliver a complete, cohesive experience in one go,” a source told Pinkvilla.
Featuring Mahesh Babu in the lead role, alongside Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, SSMB29 is poised to be one of Rajamouli’s most expansive ventures yet. The film, set against the backdrop of Kashi and blending mythology, adventure, and fiction, has already generated significant buzz since its official launch with a pooja ceremony on January 2, 2025, in Hyderabad. Production is currently underway, with key sequences reportedly filmed and a two-minute announcement video featuring actual footage in the works for an upcoming reveal.
The shift to a single-film format is seen as a bold move by Rajamouli, known for his groundbreaking successes with Baahubali—a two-part epic—and RRR. The director’s decision reflects his confidence in crafting a narrative that can captivate global audiences without the need for a sequel. “Designed as an intricate blend of mythology and adventure, SSMB29 is expected to be Rajamouli’s most extensive film to date,” the source added, hinting at the scale and ambition behind the project.
Mahesh Babu, who is undergoing a physical transformation for his role—rumored to draw inspiration from Lord Hanuman—has committed significant time to the film, with shooting schedules extending into mid-2026. The film’s budget, estimated at around Rs 1000 crores, underscores its status as one of the most expensive productions in Indian cinema history. Rajamouli is also said to be in talks with international studios to elevate SSMB29 to a global scale, with an official statement expected soon.
Fans and industry insiders have mixed reactions to the news. While some laud Rajamouli’s intent to streamline the story, others wonder how the expansive vision—initially planned across two installments—will fit into a single runtime. The film’s release is now slated for the summer of 2027, following an intensive filming schedule.
As SSMB29 continues to take shape, all eyes remain on Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu to deliver yet another cinematic milestone. With this latest development, the stakes are higher than ever for the duo to redefine the boundaries of Indian filmmaking—once again, in a single, unforgettable shot.
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