Kenya is currently at the centre of one of the biggest film productions in Asian cinema. The filming of SSMB29, a Ksh20 billion (£135 million) blockbuster, is now underway, led by the acclaimed Indian filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli.
Filming began in April 2025, with almost 95 per cent of the African scenes being shot right here in Kenya.
Stunning locations like the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Samburu, and Amboseli have all been chosen as backdrops, showcasing the country’s natural beauty to a global audience.
A Filmmaker’s Choice
S. S. Rajamouli, the creative genius behind global hits like Baahubali and RRR, chose Kenya over other East African nations like Uganda and Tanzania after a scouting tour. The production has brought a 120-member crew to the country.
On Tuesday, September 2, Rajamouli met with Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi. Mudavadi praised the film, calling it a major milestone for Kenya’s creative industry.
“For Kenya, this decision goes beyond cinema; it is a landmark moment that showcases the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and unmatched hospitality to a global audience.”
Unprecedented Global Exposure
The film is set to be released in 120 countries, with a projected viewership of over one billion people worldwide. This will provide unprecedented exposure for Kenya’s landscapes and talent.
According to Mudavadi, the project is expected to create jobs and unlock opportunities in:
Tourism, Hospitality and Cultural exchange.
It also helps to position Kenya as a top destination for international filmmaking.
Star Power in the Savannah
Adding to the excitement is the presence of Bollywood and Hollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, who has joined the cast.
Over the past weekend, she shared photos from a luxury safari camp, giving fans a glimpse of Kenya’s stunning wilderness.
Chopra, a former Miss World, is one of India’s most celebrated actresses and has appeared in major films such as Baywatch (2017) and The Matrix Resurrections (2021).
This isn’t her first time in Kenya; she previously visited in 2022 for her work with UNICEF. Now, she’s back on an even bigger stage, ready to showcase Kenya’s magnificent landscapes in a grand cinematic production
by bradley odhiambo
