SSMB29 shoot: SS Rajamouli spotted playing volleyball with locals in Odisha’s Koraput

Renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli, currently filming his much-anticipated film SSMB29, took a break from the intense shooting schedule in Koraput district to enjoy a game of volleyball with local youths last evening.

A video of the director playing and thoroughly engaging in the sport, reportedly in a field at Tankubeda village near Talamali, has gone viral on social media, winning over fans with his humble and approachable nature.

Rajamouli relaxing in Odisha during his movie shooting break, playing volleyball with locals in Koraput!#SSrajamouli#SSRMB#MaheshBabu𓃵#PriyankaChoprapic.twitter.com/Or4hcCHiiB

— North East West South (@prawasitv) March 17, 2025

Meanwhile, the shoot for SSMB29, featuring South superstar Mahesh Babu and Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, has been underway in the picturesque Talimali Hills for the past 15 days and is set to continue until March 28, as per sources.

ALSO READ: Priyanka Chopra shares moments of 'working Holi' from SS Rajamouli's SSMB29 set

Star-Studded Presence in Odisha

The film’s shoot has been making headlines for more than just Rajamouli’s volleyball session. Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, playing a crucial role in the film, have also joined the cast in Koraput.

On March 11, global star Priyanka Chopra arrived in Koraput and was greeted by enthusiastic fans following which she proceeded to Deomali to shoot key scenes for the movie.

SSMB29: A Grand Jungle Adventure

Touted as an action-mythology film, SSMB29 is set against the backdrop of dense jungles, making Koraput’s raw and untouched landscapes a perfect fit. The big-budget project, reportedly costing Rs 1,000 crore, aims to blend action with mythology, promising an immersive cinematic experience.

Koraput Gains Spotlight as a Film Destination

The scenic district of Koraput is emerging as a preferred shooting location for major South Indian films. Rajamouli, known for ‘Baahubali’ and ‘RRR’, is leading a massive 500-member crew in Semiliguda, where large portions of the film are being shot.

The region’s lush green forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking hills have drawn considerable attention on social media, with behind-the-scenes clips of the shoot going viral.

ALSO READ: From Pushpa 2 to SSMB29 shooting in Odisha: Govt assures full support to film industries

Authorities have also deployed tight security measures to manage the large crowds gathering at the shooting locations, including Deomali, Odisha’s highest peak.