Mahesh Babu Ditches Body Double For SS Rajamouli's Next, Performs Own Stunts
SSMB29, directed by SS Rajamouli, stars Mahesh Babu in a globe-trotting adventure with high-risk action sequences.
Mahesh Babu is set to take on a more physically demanding role in his much-anticipated collaboration with SS Rajamouli. As per recent reports, the actor will perform his own high-octane stunts in SSMB29, ditching the use of a body double. Earlier, this was done by Prabhas and Ram Charan as they also took on their own action sequences while working with Rajamouli in previous films.
Touted as a globe-trotting action-adventure, SSMB29 is shaping up to be one of Telugu cinema's most ambitious projects. The film is being shot across various locations in India and abroad, with the scale and vision expected from a Rajamouli directorial.
According to Telugu Cinema, Mahesh Babu's decision to handle the action scenes himself is intended to bring more authenticity to the film's thrilling moments. The filmmakers reportedly want Mahesh to be front and centre in all the action, rather than relying heavily on stunt doubles.
In a related update, acclaimed cinematographer Senthil Kumar, known for his work in Magadheera, Baahubali: The Beginning, and RR, has revealed that he will not be part of this film. Speaking to Telugu 360, Kumar said, 'It's Rajamouli's call. He wanted to try someone new for SSMB29, which is why I'm not working as the cinematographer."
Meanwhile, the production is reportedly moving ahead at a brisk pace, though the makers have kept most details tightly under wraps. A Deccan Chronicle report mentioned that Mahesh Babu will feature in a fast-paced solo dance number, shot on a large marketplace set built on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
In another interesting development, Priyanka Chopra has filmed a special scene in the movie that includes the Mayurbhanj Chhau dance. This was confirmed by the choreographer via an Instagram post.
Meanwhile, SS Rajamouli has dropped cinematographer Senthil Kumar from SSMB19. Though the two worked together on several of Rajamouli's blockbusters, including RRR and Baahubali, they will not be working together for SSMB29. Recently, Kumar confirmed the same and revealed that Rajamouli decided to move ahead with someone else.
'It was Rajamouli's call. He wanted to try someone else. People want to do different films with different people, right? So it is a good break," Senthil Kumar told Telugu360.
The cinematographer also clarified that the decision has not impacted his equation with Rajamouli. 'We've been working together since 2003, but we didn't always do films back-to-back. There were breaks earlier too. I couldn't do 'Maryada Ramanna' or 'Vikramarkudu' because I was working on other projects. Gaps have happened before also, but the relationship continues," he added.
First Published:
July 16, 2025, 13:17 IST
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