In equal parts shocking and baffling news from the sets of one of the biggest pan-India films (arguably, the biggest), SSMB29, veteran actor Nana Patekar has decided to pass on a big role (~₹20 Crore for 15 days’ work) in Mahesh Babu’s film SSMB29.
Nana Patekar Turns Down SS Rajamouli’s SSMB29 Role Despite Huge Offer
According to a report, SS Rajamouli, director of the highly successful Baahubali and RRR, even flew from Hyderabad to tell the script to Nana Patekar at his farmhouse in Pune. Understandably, this was to play the father of Mahesh Babu in the movie, which is being billed as an action adventure around the world based on Indian mythology.
For reasons unknown, the Welcome and Krantiveer actor turned down the role.
“The filmmaker had come from Hyderabad to Pune to narrate the script and between them there was some interesting spurt of ideas, but then Patekar said, this isn’t something he wants to do,” said a well-placed source.
Nana Patekar, apparently, didn’t think it was a good enough character to merit even a limited shooting schedule.
Rs 20 Crores For 15 Days? Absolutely
Sources connected with the project revealed that Wanted actor Nana Patekar was offered Rs 20 crore for a job that would mean shooting for 15 days. That is nearly Rs 1.3 crore a day, but the actor allegedly declined, saying he’d choose an avenue of creative satisfaction and not merely a transactional role.
Nonetheless, Nana reportedly told the crew that he would be open to working with Rajamouli if another role suitable to him and Rajamouli’s direction is on offer.
What We Know About SSMB29 – Currently
- Director: SS Rajamouli
- Starring: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran
- Described as: Revolving around a globe-trotting action-adventure myth with some mythological elements
- Producer: KL Narayana
- Tentative Release: 2026
SS Rajamouli has kept SSMB29 under wraps like all of his other films. All the cast and crew signed NDAs, and so far there have been no leaks from set and no major leaks from set.
What Might Have Been: Nana’s Missed “Epic” Moment?
Had Nana Patekar accepted the role in SSMB29, it would have represented his first pan-India big bait and big-budget film in decades and a rare South Indian production. Whatever happened with that, it would have brought together a dream actor and director pair with Rajamouli and Patekar. That jam is on hold.
➤ Also Read: “Thama Is A Total Wildcard!” – Ayushmann Khurrana Calls His Diwali Release The Biggest Film Of His Career
Box Office Worldwide Verdict
Only in Indian cinema could you turn down a Rs 20 crore offer, because ‘the role didn’t feel right.’ Nana Patekar’s decision is an example of artistry and creative instinct over commercial interest, while Rajamouli continues to look for the proper cast – SSMB29 is even more interesting.
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