SS Rajamouli, the visionary director behind blockbusters like Baahubali, is once again pushing cinematic boundaries with his upcoming film SSMB 29 starring Superstar Mahesh Babu. Reports reveal that the production has invested an astonishing Rs 50 crore to build an elaborate replica of the ancient city of Varanasi inside Ramoji Film City. This massive set includes iconic ghats, temples, and riverfronts, aiming to provide an authentic and grand backdrop while avoiding the logistical challenges of shooting in real locations.

Shooting in actual Varanasi would involve crowd control, police permissions, and other complex hurdles, prompting Rajamouli to opt for a meticulously crafted set. To put the scale in perspective, iconic films like Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas had a total set budget of Rs 50 crore, while other grand films such as Bajirao Mastani and Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo spent between Rs 15 to 20 crore on their sets.

Touted to be a mythological-inspired story involving Lord Hanuman and the quest for healing herbs at Mount Dronagiri, SSMB 29 is shaping up to be one of the most expensive films ever made in Indian cinema, with an overall budget estimated at Rs 1,000 crore. Alongside Mahesh Babu, the film features Priyanka Chopra, South superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran, and music by MM Keeravaani, promising a cinematic spectacle unlike any before.