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.

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.

Rashmika Mandanna takes on the monumental role of Maratha queen Yesubai Bhonsale in the highly anticipated historical drama Chhaava, sharing the screen with Vicky Kaushal, who portrays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film’s grand trailer launch on January 22 at Mumbai’s iconic Plaza Theatre showcased the cinematic spectacle to come, leaving Mandanna herself visibly moved.

Overwhelmed by the opportunity, Mandanna expressed her profound gratitude and jokingly declared her readiness for retirement after this career-defining role. “It is an honour. From a girl coming from the South to play Maharani Yesubai is the most privileged and special thing I could ask for in this lifetime,” she shared, her voice thick with emotion.

The weight of portraying such a significant historical figure was palpable, as she confessed the trailer itself brought her to tears. “I tell Laxman sir that after this, I am happy to retire,” she added, highlighting the immense responsibility and impact of the role. Her admiration for Kaushal was also evident, describing him simply as “God” in his portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj.

The journey to embodying Yesubai Bhonsale was one of both excitement and apprehension. Mandanna recounted her initial shock at director Laxman Utekar’s offer, questioning how he could even consider her for such a pivotal part. “I remember being absolutely shocked how did Laxman sir even think of giving me a role like this to play? I just surrendered,” she explained.

The challenge was further amplified by the lack of direct references for portraying such a majestic and influential historical personality. She emphasized the importance of surrendering to the director’s vision and the rigorous preparation involved, particularly mastering the nuances of the language. Extensive rehearsals and unwavering dedication were key to bringing the character to life, she stressed.

Chhaava, a Maddock Films production with music composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman, boasts an ensemble cast including Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Neil Bhoopalam, Santosh Juvekar, and Pradeep Rawat. The film is slated to hit theatres on February 14th, 2025, a strategic release timed to precede Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on February 19th.

With its impressive cast, stunning visuals, and compelling narrative of a powerful historical period, Chhaava promises a cinematic experience that will resonate with audiences.