The much-anticipated African shoot for SS Rajamouli’s SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, has been abruptly called off due to growing civil unrest in Kenya.
Originally set to begin filming in mid-July, Rajamouli and his team had identified Kenya’s dramatic landscapes as a perfect backdrop for the globe-trotting adventure film.
But with the country gripped by widespread anti-government protests, including the high-profile Saba Saba demonstrations that turned violent in several counties, the production team was forced to rethink its plans.
“Security became a growing concern after July 7,” a production insider told Mid-Day.
“Rajamouli sir was adamant that the crew’s safety comes first. The situation became too unpredictable, especially with roadblocks, internet disruptions, and reports of police clashes with protesters.”
The Saba Saba protests, which drew thousands across Kenya, were part of a broader youth-led movement that denounced government corruption, tax hikes, and police brutality.
The political tension that followed, along with reports of civilian deaths and property damage, prompted the production team to explore alternative African locations.
Rajamouli is now considering Tanzania’s highlands and South Africa’s rugged landscapes, both of which offer the visual depth he had hoped to capture in Kenya. Permit applications are reportedly underway, with the crew aiming to begin shooting in South Africa by late July.
Set to follow Mahesh Babu as an adventurous explorer in the vein of Indiana Jones, SSMB29 is Rajamouli’s first film since the global success of RRR. While Kenya may be off the map for now, Africa remains central to his cinematic vision — just from safer ground.
