‘If I keep this up any longer, my family will start doubting me’: Prithviraj’s blunt talk to Rajamouli

A light-hearted exchange on social media has delighted fans eagerly awaiting SSMB29, the highly anticipated film bringing together director S.S. Rajamouli and superstar Mahesh Babu. The film, which has been tentatively titled SSMB29, became the centre of attention on social media platform X after the stars involved began teasing each other in a humorous back-and-forth.

The banter began when Mahesh Babu tagged Rajamouli in a post, reminding him, “It’s November already.” To this, Rajamouli cheekily replied, “Which film review are you planning to post this month?”—a playful dig at Mahesh Babu’s habit of sharing film reviews after watching new releases.

Mahesh Babu fired back, saying, “About the Mahabharata you’ve been making forever,” urging the filmmaker to keep his promise of delivering an update in November.

Rajamouli responded that work had indeed begun and updates would be released gradually. Mahesh Babu then quipped, “Why so slow? Will it at least start by 2030?” He also tagged Priyanka Chopra, saying, “Our Desi Girl has been sharing pictures of every street in Hyderabad since January.”

Priyanka Chopra joined in, asking, “Shall I start revealing all the stories you told me on set?” Rajamouli then playfully scolded Mahesh Babu for “spoiling the surprise.”

Mahesh Babu shot back, “Surprise? Or is Prithviraj also the surprise?”—to which actor Prithviraj Sukumaran humorously responded, “Sir, I’m running out of alibis for these Hyderabad “vacations.” If I keep this up any longer, my family will start doubting me.”

This was a nod to Prithviraj’s earlier interviews, where he claimed his visits to Hyderabad were merely for vacations, though it was widely rumoured that he would be playing the villain in the film.

Rajamouli concluded the exchange with, “You’ve all ruined it!” Mahesh Babu proposed a truce, suggesting, “Let’s make a deal—reveal something everyone already knows tomorrow and call it a surprise.” To which Rajamouli replied, “For that excessive teasing, your first-look release might be delayed.” Prithviraj chimed in once more: “I know you always prefer the villains.”

The exchange has only heightened anticipation for SSMB29, which has been filming across various international locations. The screenplay is penned by veteran writer V. Vijayendra Prasad, with music composed by M.M. Keeravani. According to reports, the film is expected to hit cinemas in 2028, promising to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious ventures. (With inputs from Agencies)