Despite a personal pitch from SS Rajamouli, Nana Patekar passed on the Mahesh Babu-Priyanka Chopra starrer. Here’s why!
SS Rajamouli’s upcoming epic SSMB29 is already buzzing thanks to its A-list cast — Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles — and a jaw-dropping ₹1,000 crore budget. But the film nearly had another powerhouse onboard: Nana Patekar.
Rumour had it that Patekar was offered the role of Mahesh Babu’s father in the film, and that a look test had been conducted. However, the veteran actor shut down the chatter with a single word: “No.”
According to sources, Rajamouli personally visited Patekar at his farmhouse near Pune last year to narrate the script. Despite an engaging discussion and a jaw-dropping offer of ₹20 crore for just 15 days of work, Patekar wasn’t sold. “He felt the role wasn’t substantial enough,” said a source.
Shooting began in January 2025, with scenes already filmed in Hyderabad and Odisha. Also joining the cast is Prithviraj Sukumaran, adding to the film’s star power.
Penned by Vijayendra Prasad and produced by KL Narayana, SSMB29 is shaping up to be a cinematic spectacle. Slated for a 2027 release, fans are already counting the days — but clearly, not everyone’s hopping aboard this blockbuster train.
