S.S. Rajamouli, the celebrated filmmaker behind cinematic behemoths like Baahubali, has finally confirmed his next ambitious project, tentatively titled “SSMB29,” starring Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. The announcement, made Friday morning via a characteristically quirky Instagram video, sent ripples of excitement through the Indian film industry.

In the video, Rajamouli humorously depicted “capturing” the “lion,” a playful reference to Mahesh Babu’s star power, even claiming to have seized the actor’s passport to ensure his full commitment to the film’s production.

Mahesh Babu, known for his charismatic screen presence and meticulous approach to his work, responded to the director’s playful post with a memorable dialogue from his 2006 blockbuster hit, Pokiri. His comment, “Okkasaari commit ayithe naa maata nene vinanu” (“Once I commit, I won’t even listen to myself”), perfectly encapsulated his dedication to the project and echoed the director’s lighthearted tone.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the already highly anticipated film, Priyanka Chopra Jonas seemingly confirmed her involvement in “SSMB29.” Following her recent cryptic hints about a “new chapter” during a visit to Hyderabad, she succinctly commented “finally” on Rajamouli’s Instagram post, fueling speculation about her role in the film. The project, scripted by Vijayendra Prasad (known for his collaborations with Rajamouli), promises to be a visual spectacle, given the director’s penchant for grand narratives and breathtaking cinematography.

While details about the supporting cast remain under wraps, the announcement comes shortly after Mahesh Babu’s voice acting debut as Mufasa in the Telugu version of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. The Telugu cast also included Brahmanandam as Pumbaa and Ali as Timon, while the Hindi version featured Shah Rukh Khan as Mufasa, and his sons, Aryan and Abram Khan, as Simba and young Mufasa, respectively.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s film Anuja recently secured an Oscar nomination for 2025, making this announcement even more momentous for the actress. The combination of Rajamouli’s directorial prowess, Mahesh Babu’s star power, and the potential involvement of Priyanka Chopra Jonas promises to make “SSMB29” one of the most anticipated films of the coming years.

Jharkhand’s Republic Day tableau, a vibrant spectacle of colour and movement, presented a compelling narrative of the state’s journey from its rich heritage to its remarkable progress. The tableau, aptly titled “Swarnim Jharkhand: A Tradition of Heritage and Progress,” served as a powerful visual testament to the state’s multifaceted identity. Central to this narrative was the pivotal role played by the late industrialist, Ratan Tata, whose visionary leadership laid the groundwork for much of Jharkhand’s subsequent development.

The tableau’s design was meticulously crafted to showcase this multifaceted narrative. At its heart was Jamshedpur, India’s first planned industrial city, a legacy of Tata’s pioneering efforts. This iconic city, depicted in vivid detail, served as a powerful symbol of industrial growth and modernization. However, the tableau astutely avoided portraying a solely industrial narrative. It carefully integrated elements celebrating Jharkhand’s cultural richness and its commitment to social progress.

A striking image of two young girls engaged with laptop computers underscored Jharkhand’s significant strides in education. This symbolized the state’s dedication to expanding educational access, particularly for tribal children in both urban and rural areas, representing a crucial investment in the future.

The tableau cleverly juxtaposed this modern image with vibrant representations of traditional art forms. Sohrai and Khobar paintings, meticulously crafted by tribal artists, were displayed prominently, showcasing the enduring legacy of Jharkhand’s artistic heritage. Adding to the spectacle, performers enacted the energetic Chhau dance of Seraikela, a captivating dance form deeply rooted in the state’s cultural identity.

The tableau also subtly highlighted the contributions of women in Jharkhand’s economic landscape, acknowledging their significant role in generating employment and driving economic growth. This balanced depiction of industrial progress and cultural preservation made the tableau a truly comprehensive representation of Jharkhand’s identity.

By celebrating both its industrial achievements and its vibrant cultural traditions, the tableau offered a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of Jharkhand, highlighting its progress while deeply respecting its heritage.

The inclusion of the Jaduguda uranium plant subtly acknowledged the state’s contribution to India’s nuclear energy program. In essence, the tableau was a powerful and memorable celebration of Jharkhand’s journey, skillfully weaving together its past, present, and future.

Actor Vijay, the celebrated Tamil cinema superstar, unveiled the highly anticipated title and first-look poster of his 69th film, Thalapathy 69, now officially titled Jana Nayagan, on Sunday.

The announcement, made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), generated immediate excitement among his massive fanbase. The poster showcases Vijay in a dynamic pose, capturing a selfie atop a vehicle amidst a sea of enthusiastic supporters clad in white, creating a powerful visual metaphor.

Vijay’s casual yet charismatic attire—a blue denim shirt paired with black pants and dark sunglasses—complements the energetic ambience of the poster. His confident smile and relaxed posture convey a sense of connection with his adoring fans. The simple yet impactful caption, “#JanaNayagan,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of the film’s title and the anticipation surrounding its release.

Jana Nayagan, a political action thriller helmed by the acclaimed director H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, boasts a stellar ensemble cast. Joining Vijay are Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, Priyamani, Mamitha Baiju, Monisha Blessy, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, promising a captivating cinematic experience. The film’s musical score is composed by the talented Anirudh Ravichander, further enhancing the anticipation for its release.

The film holds significant importance as it is intended to be Vijay’s final cinematic endeavour before his much-publicized foray into politics. In February 2024, Vijay announced his intention to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections under the banner of his newly formed political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

His political aspirations reflect a desire to establish a corruption-free, progressive, and secular government in response to the current political landscape. The film’s release is eagerly awaited, not only as a cinematic spectacle but also as a significant milestone in the career of a beloved actor embarking on a new chapter in his life. The initial announcement of Thalapathy 69 was made in September 2024.