The anticipation around Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli ’s SSMB29 just got bigger, thanks to a leaked photo that has set social media buzzing. The actor was recently spotted on the film’s Kenya schedule, where the cast and crew are currently working under tight security.

The viral picture shows Mahesh in a rugged look, seemingly in the middle of an action sequence, adding to the growing excitement about what Rajamouli has in store.

First glimpse raises curiosity for SSMB29

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The leaked image, though unofficial, offers a raw look at Mahesh Babu’s character, which has been kept tightly under wraps until now. Fans were quick to share and dissect the photograph, praising his intense appearance. This project marks Mahesh Babu’s first collaboration with SS Rajamouli, making it one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema. Adding to the intrigue is the casting of Priyanka Chopra as the female lead along with the Mollywood superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Kenya becomes the backdrop
The SSMB29 team has set up camp in Nairobi, Kenya, where crucial portions of the film are being shot. Rajamouli, known for using vast and breathtaking landscapes in his films, has zeroed in on Kenya’s unique terrains to elevate the film’s visual scale. From the sweeping Masai Mara to Amboseli’s dramatic backdrop and the serene Lake Naivasha, these African locations are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the story’s grandeur.
Warm welcome from Kenya
During the recce, Rajamouli and his crew were hosted by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi. He lauded the filmmaker as a “visionary storyteller” and expressed pride in India choosing Kenya for such a significant project.
His Tweet read, "Kenya this past fortnight became the stage for one of the world’s greatest filmmakers, @ssrajamouli , the visionary Indian director, screenwriter, and storyteller whose works have captured the imagination of audiences across continents. Rajamouli, with a career spanning over two decades, is renowned for weaving together powerful narratives, groundbreaking visuals, and deep cultural resonance. His team of 120 crew members chose Kenya after an extensive scouting tour across East Africa, settling on our nation as the primary filming destination where nearly 95% of the African scenes are being shot."
He further wrote, "From the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara to the scenic Naivasha, the rugged Samburu, and the iconic Amboseli, Kenya’s landscapes are now etched into what is set to become the largest film production in Asia. Scheduled for release in over 120 countries, the movie is expected to reach more than a billion viewers worldwide. This landmark decision to film in Kenya is more than a cinematic milestone; it is a powerful statement about our country’s beauty, hospitality, and place on the world stage. As the crew departs today for India to continue production, Kenya stands proud, ready to share its story with the world through the lens of SSMB29."
Overall, the expectations are surely high as SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu are teaming up.