Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s portrayal of Mandakini marks her homecoming to Indian cinema and serves as her first-ever collaboration with SS Rajamouli. The film, tentatively known as SSMB29, features Chopra in a fierce, action-oriented avatar, breaking the mould of traditional female leads in mainstream Indian cinema. Her first look, revealed just days before the film’s grand title unveiling, shows her in a stunning mustard-yellow saree holding a gun, exuding elegance and raw power.
Highlights of the Reveal
- Chopra’s look has drawn immense praise across social media, with the director himself welcoming her as the woman “who redefined Indian cinema on the global stage.”
- The character poster emphasises confidence and complexity, hinting at Mandakini’s pivotal role in the story’s globe-spanning narrative.
- Other celebrities, including Nick Jonas and Ranveer Singh, have lauded her fierce makeover, and fans have labelled her the “Indian Tomb Raider,” comparing her persona to Lara Croft.
The World of SSMB29/Globetrotter
SS Rajamouli’s project, starring Mahesh Babu in the lead and featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist “Kumbha,” is expected to push the boundaries of the action-adventure genre. Described as one of India’s most ambitious cinematic ventures to date, the film is inspired by the spirit of African exploration and promises a visual and narrative spectacle.
Key Production Details
- The film will feature a sprawling mix of adventure, action, and drama set against lush and diverse geographical backdrops.
- A grand title reveal event is scheduled for November 15, 2025, at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, promising a showcase of the film’s scale and international appeal. Over 50,000 fans are expected to attend, and the event will stream live, making it one of India’s biggest cinematic unveilings ever.
- Rajamouli’s penchant for epic storytelling, seen previously in blockbusters like RRR and Baahubali, adds to the anticipation for SSMB29/Globetrotter.
Mandakini: Shades, Symbolism, and Story
Unlike conventional roles, Mandakini is designed as a multidimensional character. In her fiery first look, Priyanka stands atop a rocky cliff, her yellow saree billowing as she brandishes a pistol, evoking both strength and enigma. The image diverges from traditional depictions of Indian heroines, signalling a new era for female representation in big-budget adventure films.
Character Traits and Fan Response
- Mandakini is teased as more than “eye candy”, her storyline woven deeply into the central adventure.
- Her fierce demeanour and striking attire have generated considerable buzz, with fans noting how her saree-clad action heroism fuses tradition with modern grit.
- Audiences have drawn comparisons to global icons like Lara Croft, welcoming the bold new approach to Indian female leads.
Star Ensemble and Film Anticipation
Priyanka Chopra is joined by Mahesh Babu, who plays the main protagonist, reportedly an archaeologist with qualities reminiscent of mythological heroes, such as Lord Hanuman. Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the mantle of the antagonist as Kumbha, whose cybernetic arms and wheelchair-bound presence introduce an innovative twist to villainy.
Supporting Cast and Production Team
- SSMB29 brings together an all-star lineup, with Rajamouli at the helm and Vijayendra Prasad, famed for epic scripts, co-writing the film.
- This marks Priyanka’s debut in Telugu cinema and signifies a crucial push for the film’s pan-Indian and international reach.
Cultural and Industry Impact
Mandakini’s unveiling serves as both an industry milestone and a pop culture event, reflecting India’s cinematic evolution toward strong, multifaceted female characters in mainstream entertainment. The level of anticipation and scale of SSMB29’s promotional campaign are unprecedented, suggesting high expectations for both critical and commercial success internationally.
Key Points of Buzz
- Social media is abuzz with excitement, speculation, and praise for the bold direction.
- With a massive, multi-language launch and streaming platforms lined up for global distribution, SSMB29 is set to put Indian adventure cinema on the world map.
- Industry insiders expect Mandakini’s character to pave the way for more diverse and empowered female roles in English and regional-language films.
What’s Next: Title Reveal and Beyond
All eyes are now on the November 15 event, where the official title, further character reveals, and possibly the first teaser or motion poster will debut. The event’s sheer scale underscores the film’s status as a major milestone in contemporary Indian cinema, and the unveiling of Mandakini is just the beginning of a globe-trotting adventure that promises to redefine action and gender roles for years to come.