Bollywood and world acclaimed film maker SS Rajamouli has chosen Kenya as the setting for his next big film, SSMB29. The movie will be released to a world record 120 countries.
The movie will feature celebrated Bollywood stars Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra.
Rajamouli is a household name in the Indian film industry renowned for movies such as Baahubali, RRR, and Magadheera.
In 2017, Baahubali 2 was officially released to 65 countries, though analysts say the movie was screened in more than 70 countries in its first month.
Rajamouli met with Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary who also doubles up as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, on 2 September 2025.
Mudavadi haled Rajamouli as a visionary director, screen writer and storyteller whose powerful narratives, groundbreaking visuals, and deep cultural resonance have wowed the world.
The Bollywood powerhouse and his team of 120 crew members are said to have chosen Kenya after an extensive scouting tour across East Africa.
Attractions that guided the landmark decision include Kenya’s scenic plains traversing the Maasai Mara to Naivasha, rugged terrains of Samburu, and the iconic Amboseli.
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.
~ Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Kenya
Kenya is said to be among the most underutilized filming destinations in the world. The country has previously been the main setting for world acclaimed films such as award-winning movie, Out of Africa, The Constant Gardener, The White Masai, and most recently Nairobi Half Life.
Nairobi has also been the scene setting for tens of movies and documentaries. Kenya has made policy changes in the last few years to attract film makers who have previously shunned the country because of unfriendly tax policies.
