The highly anticipated film starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran is set to unveil major details at a grand event, and here's everything you need to know.
TL;DR: The Essentials
- • Rajamouli's "Globe Trotter" (also known as SSMB29) will host a grand reveal event on November 15, 2025.
- • The event is set to unveil the film's title and a special video glimpse, livestreaming on JioHotstar at 6 PM.
- • Prithviraj Sukumaran's first look as the menacing antagonist "Kumbha" has already dropped, sparking major buzz.
Imagine the roar of an international audience, cheering for an Indian film that's just snatched an Oscar. That was the scene with S.S. Rajamouli's RRR in 2022, a movie that pulled in over $166 million globally and brought home an Academy Award for "Naatu Naatu." Now, the visionary filmmaker is back, and the excitement for his next project, tentatively titled Globe Trotter or SSMB29, is already at a fever pitch. With a massive reveal event just around the corner, movie buffs are buzzing about what cinematic spectacle Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran are cooking up.
A Grand Unveiling on the Horizon: The "Globe Trotter" Event ExplainedThe countdown has officially begun for what’s being touted as a "NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN reveal" in Indian cinema. On November 15, 2025, the film’s core team, including stars Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, along with Rajamouli himself, will host a grand "Globe Trotter" event at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. This is where we expect to finally get the official title – rumors suggest it might be Varanasi – and a special video glimpse into the film's world. Mahesh Babu even dropped a personal video invitation for fans, urging everyone to "Experience what we’ve been creating with all our hearts."
Good news for those of us not in Hyderabad: the event will be livestreamed on JioHotstar, kicking off at 6 PM IST. This ensures fans worldwide can join in on the excitement, from the comfort of their couches. Rajamouli had previously hinted in August that major details would drop in November, and he wasn't kidding! He's promised something "beyond imagination."
Unmasking the Menace: Prithviraj Sukumaran's Intense First Look as Kumbha
Even before the main event, the SSMB29 team gave us a delicious tease by unveiling Prithviraj Sukumaran's first look as the antagonist, "Kumbha," on November 7, 2025. And boy, did it get people talking! Prithviraj, dressed in all black, is shown in a high-tech wheelchair, complete with robotic arms and legs, sporting a stern, menacing expression. Rajamouli himself called bringing Kumbha to life "creatively very satisfying," praising Prithviraj as "one of the finest actors I’ve ever known."
“After canning the first shot with Prithvi, I walked up to him and said you are one of the finest actors I’ve ever known. Bringing life to this sinister, ruthless, powerful antagonist KUMBHA was creatively very satisfying. Thank you Prithvi for slipping into his chair… literally…” — S.S. Rajamouli on Prithviraj Sukumaran’s portrayal of KumbhaThis striking visual immediately drew comparisons online to iconic wheelchair-bound villains like Doctor Octopus from Spider-Man and Kaal, played by Vivek Oberoi, in Krrish 3. While some netizens quickly pointed out these visual similarities, such comparisons often overlook the unique depth Rajamouli brings to his characters. Remember how he crafted truly memorable villains in Baahubali? It's a testament to his storytelling that even a glimpse of an antagonist can spark such passionate discussion. Given Rajamouli’s knack for turning seemingly familiar archetypes into something entirely new and impactful, we can expect Kumbha to be a complex, formidable presence that transcends mere visual parallels.
A Stellar Cast Ready to Electrify Audiences
Beyond the intriguing antagonist, the star power leading Globe Trotter is undeniable. Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu takes the lead, and he's not just lending his screen presence. Reports suggest Babu is committed to performing all his own stunts, foregoing a body double entirely. This dedication hints at high-octane, authentic action sequences that will undoubtedly impress audiences and add another layer of realism to Rajamouli's grand vision.
Joining him is global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, marking her much-anticipated Telugu cinema debut. Chopra Jonas has been on a roll, starring in Amazon Prime’s Heads of State (which garnered over 75 million viewers worldwide) and producing critically acclaimed documentaries like Born Hungry and the Oscar-nominated To Kill A Tiger. Her involvement brings an undeniable international appeal to SSMB29, further cementing its global ambitions. This collaboration is a significant moment, bridging Bollywood, Hollywood, and Telugu cinema.
Crafting a World: Behind the Scenes of Rajamouli's Vision
Rajamouli’s films are known for their epic scale and meticulous detail, and Globe Trotter appears to be no exception. The team went all out for filming, with approximately 95% of the African sequences reportedly shot in the stunning landscapes of Kenya. Additionally, a significant portion of the film was captured in Odisha, suggesting a diverse and expansive visual canvas for the story.
Example: Imagine Rajamouli and his team, navigating the vast plains of Kenya, carefully choreographing a high-octane chase sequence for Mahesh Babu, ensuring every stunt is authentic, with no body double in sight. This hands-on approach is typical for the director, creating an immersive experience for both cast and crew.
The technical crew supporting this ambitious project is equally impressive. Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravani, a long-time collaborator with Rajamouli, returns to craft the film's score. The screenplay is penned by Vijayendra Prasad, another frequent Rajamouli partner, known for his ability to weave compelling narratives. While a new cinematographer has been brought on board, replacing K.K. Senthil Kumar, it signals Rajamouli's continuous push for fresh perspectives and innovation.
Anticipating the Global Impact: What Does This Mean for Indian Cinema?
With a projected release in 2027, Globe Trotter is poised to be another landmark in Rajamouli's illustrious career. His previous films like RRR haven't just broken box office records; they've pushed the boundaries of what Indian cinema can achieve on a global stage. The film's ensemble cast, unique villain design, and expansive filming locations all point towards a narrative designed to captivate a worldwide audience.
Of course, with such high expectations, there's always the pressure to deliver. Rajamouli’s "beyond imagination" claims set the bar incredibly high. However, his consistent track record of delivering critically acclaimed and commercially successful spectacles, from Baahubali to RRR, suggests he knows how to transform ambition into cinematic reality. The extensive two-year production timeline, with filming already underway and updates being teased, shows a methodical approach aimed at perfection.
Practical Takeaways for Every Movie Fan
- Mark Your Calendars for the Reveal: Don't miss the Globe Trotter event on November 15, 2025, at 6 PM IST.
- Tune In Online: Catch the livestream on JioHotstar to be among the first to hear the title and see the first glimpse.
- Prepare for the Unexpected: Rajamouli thrives on grandiosity, so expect an epic adventure with a unique flair.
- Keep an Eye on the Cast: Mahesh Babu's dedication to stunts and Priyanka Chopra's global appeal are major highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rajamouli's Next
Sources:
- Deadline, "Priyanka Chopra Jonas Set To Star In S.S. Rajamouli’s Next Movie Alongside Mahesh Babu," November 6, 2025.
- Hindustan Times, "Prithviraj Sukumaran cannot wait for Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, says Vivek Oberoi will be ‘sensational’ with Prabhas," November 8, 2025.
- India Today Entertainment Desk, "Mahesh Babu teases Globetrotter glimpse event, to stream on JioHotstar. Details," November 8, 2025.
- News18.com, "Vivek Oberoi Hails Prithviraj Sukumaran’s First Look From SS Rajamouli’s Globe Trotter: ‘Phenomenal’," November 8, 2025.
- Onmanorama Staff, "SS Rajamouli reveals Prithviraj’s first look as Kumbha in ‘Globe Trotter’," November 7, 2025.
- The New Indian Express, "SS Rajamouli shares more details about SSMB29 launch event and Prithviraj’s first look," November 7, 2025.
- Times of India (TOI), "Prithviraj’s Kumbha in SSMB29: 3 Wheelchair Villains Who Redefined Indian Cinema," November 7, 2025.
- The Free Press Journal, "SS Rajamouli Unveils First Look Of Prithviraj Sukumaran From His Next Film; Netizens Compare It To Kaal From Krrish 3 & Dr Otto Octavius From Spider-Man," November 7, 2025.
- GreatAndhra.com, "Prithviraj Sukumaran – What a Man, What a Growth!", November 7, 2025.
- Telugucinema.com, "Globe Trotter Event: Mahesh Babu’s video invitation to fans," November 8, 2025.