Superstar Mahesh Babu and acclaimed filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli are collaborating on SSMB29, a highly anticipated forest action adventure that promises to be a global-scale spectacle. However, a recent incident during the shoot at Ramoji Film City has drawn significant attention within the industry.

According to sources, a specially constructed pond-side set—reportedly costing nearly ₹2 crore—was abandoned within 30 minutes of Mahesh Babu’s arrival. The actor, unable to endure the high temperatures, is said to have left the location after remarking, “It’s not my fault, sorry.” As a result, the production schedule came to an unexpected halt despite meticulous preparations by the crew and set designers.

This is not the first time Mahesh Babu’s sensitivity to heat has impacted filming. During the making of Brahmotsavam with Srikanth Addala, an outdoor song sequence had to be shifted indoors for the same reason. With SSMB29 already positioned as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects, the episode has sparked discussions about balancing big-budget grandeur with the comfort and working conditions of top stars.

For Rajamouli and his production team, the challenge now lies in reworking the shoot to accommodate both the film’s demanding scale and the superstar’s requirements. While the incident has raised eyebrows over the financial loss, industry observers note that such hurdles are not uncommon in large-scale productions. Fans and trade circles alike are watching closely to see how the makers navigate these setbacks to deliver the visual extravaganza they have promised.