From Masai Mara to Amboseli: Rajamouli calls shooting in Kenya ‘most memorable moments’ of his career

Chennai: Acclaimed filmmaker S S Rajamouli, who has been shooting in Kenya for his upcoming project, described his time in Kenya as “one of the most memorable moments” of his career.

The director’s words followed Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia W. Mudavadi’s post on X (formerly Twitter) stating how 95 per cent of all African scenes in the director’s much-anticipated pan-Indian film starring actor Mahesh Babu had been shot in Kenya.

Responding to the senior Kenyan official’s post, Rajamouli wrote, “Visiting Kenya has indeed been a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime experience with its vast landscapes and incredible diversity of wildlife. Filming there has been one of the most memorable moments of my career.”

He went on to express his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply thankful to the Kenyan government and the locals of the Masai Mara, Naivasha, Samburu, and Amboseli for their tremendous support and hospitality throughout our shoot.”

Earlier, Musalia W. Mudavadi, who also serves as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, posted about Rajamouli’s decision to film in Kenya following an extensive location-scouting tour across Africa.

Mudavadi wrote, “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.”

The Kenyan leader also highlighted the diverse locations chosen for the shoot. “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.”

He further disclosed that the film is scheduled for release in over 120 countries and is expected to reach more than a billion viewers worldwide.

https://x.com/ssrajamouli/status/1954055214237106276

“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,” he wrote.

Notably, in his post, Mudavadi refrained from referring to the film by the name 'GlobeTrotter', which many fans of Mahesh Babu and S S Rajamouli believe to be its working title.

IANS