Did Nana Patekar Turn Down SS Rajamouli`s 20 Crore Offer for SSMB29?

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MAY 29,2025

Maverick filmmaker SS Rajamouli's upcoming mega-project, currently titled SSMB29 and starring Mahesh Babu, has been a hot topic of discussion. With its massive star cast, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and grand sets being mounted in Odisha, the film is already generating immense buzz. Amidst this, a rumour has been making the rounds on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit about a veteran Bollywood actor turning down a substantial offer to be part of the movie.

The Unconfirmed Buzz Surrounding Nana Patekar

Strong whispers suggest that veteran actor Nana Patekar refused an offer from Rajamouli to play a role in SSMB29. Unconfirmed social media reports claim that Patekar was in talks to portray Mahesh Babu's on-screen father. However, the Welcome actor reportedly "politely declined the offer, as he didn't find the role enticing enough."

Reports further indicate that he was offered a whopping 20 crore for a shooting schedule of just about 15 days. According to a report, Rajamouli even drove to Nana Patekar's farmhouse near Pune to personally narrate the story. Despite this, Nana Patekar reportedly felt the part was "too small and not exciting enough".

A source was quoted stating, "Rajamouli was very keen on casting Nana Patekar for a pivotal part in his film with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. The filmmaker had travelled from Hyderabad to Patekar's farmhouse in Pune to narrate the script. The duo, in fact, had an interesting exchange of inputs, but then Patekar said that this isn't something he wants to do." The source also revealed, "The money offered was close to an unprecedented Rs 20 crore. And he had to only shoot for about 15 days. But he felt that the role wasn't something that he wanted to sink his teeth into.'

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Nana Patekar Denies Reports

However, recent developments suggest a different narrative. According to another report, Nana Patekar has debunked these speculations, stating "No," and claiming that the makers "didn't reach out." While a previous source informed the outlet that Rajamouli had approached him last year, Patekar himself has denied any involvement.

Regardless of the casting discussions, SSMB29 is shaping up to be an epic. It is reportedly a grand adventure thriller infused with mythological elements. The film is touted as Priyanka Chopra Jonas's major comeback to an Indian film after a decade, following 'Bajirao Mastani'.

The filmmaker has managed to keep most of the movie details under wraps. However, it's widely speculated that Rajamouli will once again collaborate with Oscar winner MM Keeravani for the music. The budget is rumoured to be a staggering 1,000 crore, potentially making it the most expensive Indian movie ever made. Written by Rajamouli's father, V. Vijayendra Prasad, the film is described by Rajamouli himself as a "globetrotting action adventure, kind of a James Bond or Indiana Jones film with Indian roots."

While no official word has been made by the makers, a report hints at speculation being rife over the SSMB29 release date being in March 2027, coinciding with RRR's fifth-year anniversary of its Oscar win.

Also Read: Mahesh Babu: Bollywood Cannot Afford Me, Don't Want To Waste My Time In Such An Industry