In a surprising twist, the much-anticipated global action film SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, has pulled the plug on its planned Kenya shoot—citing safety concerns over growing political unrest.
The film, helmed by blockbuster director S. S. Rajamouli (of RRR and Baahubali fame), was expected to start shooting this July in iconic Kenyan parks like Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo.
But with ongoing tension in the country—including protests and instability—producers made the call to scrap the Kenya leg.
Instead, the crew is relocating the African shoot to Tanzania and South Africa. Sources close to the production say recce teams are already scouting locations around Ngorongoro and Serengeti in Tanzania, as well as Cape Town and Mpumalanga in South Africa.
“Kenya offered the exact topography we envisioned,” one insider told MoneyControl. “But we can’t ignore the current risks. The safety of the crew and cast comes first.”
This is a major pivot for a film of this scale. Touted as Rajamouli’s most visually ambitious project yet, SSMB29 draws inspiration from Indiana Jones–style treasure hunts, ancient myths, and jungle expeditions. The Kenya segment was meant to anchor the story’s wild adventure sequences.
Adding to the buzz is Priyanka Chopra’s return to Indian cinema after several years focused on Hollywood. Her pairing with Mahesh Babu—a first for both—has fans across the globe buzzing with anticipation.
Despite the location shake-up, Rajamouli’s team insists the film’s vision remains intact. Some delays are expected as new permits are secured, and sets are redesigned. There are also whispers of minor script adjustments to match the new landscapes.
This isn’t the first time a major film has had to rethink its location strategy due to real-world instability. But fans of Kenyan cinema and tourism officials alike will feel the sting. A production of this size could have boosted local exposure and jobs.
Still, all is not lost for East Africa. Tanzania now steps into the spotlight—and if all goes well, the region will still dazzle audiences on the global screen.
by bradley odhiambo
