Table of Contents
S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus starring Mahesh Babu (tentatively titled SSMB29 or Varanasi) has encountered its first major hurdle. While the world awaits the “Indian Indiana Jones,” the production team is currently grappling with a resource crisis that even a thousand-crore budget can’t easily solve.
The Conflict: 15 Lakh Litres vs. A Scorching Summer
The production house, Sri Durga Arts, recently approached the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) with a massive request. To film an elaborate underwater action sequence, the team required 1.5 million (15 lakh) litres of water to fill a custom-built pond at a studio in Gaganpahad.
The makers requested 150 tankers (10,000 litres each) and offered to pay all commercial charges. However, as Hindustan Times recently reported, the Water Board officially denied the request citing the city’s precarious supply situation.
MB — Rajamouli’s #Varanasi ‘s Shoot hold because of water crisis
The film crew is currently shooting in Hyderabad but is facing a water shortage. The local water board rejected their request for 150 water tankers because they need to prioritize giving water to the public during… pic.twitter.com/M9XOO3Jy8P
— Let’s X OTT GLOBAL (@LetsXOtt) May 3, 2026
The Reason? Hyderabad is currently battling a severe summer heatwave and a growing water crisis. According to a detailed report by WION, officials stated that diverting such a massive volume of water for a film shoot would be unethical and impractical when residential areas are struggling with daily supply pressure.
Why Does ‘Varanasi’ Need an Ocean in a Studio?
Rajamouli is known for his “larger-than-life” sequences. In this film, the protagonist Rudhra (Mahesh Babu) is a Shiva devotee and a time-traveling adventurer.
- The Underwater Mystery: The denied water was intended for a sequence where Rudhra searches for a “Cosmic Artifact” hidden deep underwater.
- The Quality Standard: For high-speed cameras and CGI integration, the water must be purified and crystal clear. Mathrubhumi News highlighted that regular borewell water often lacks the clarity needed for the lenses used by Oscar-winning VFX partners like CineSite.
SSMB29: A Global Adventure in the Making
Despite the water setback, the details emerging about the film suggest a scale never before seen in Indian cinema. Firstpost notes that while the shoot has hit a temporary roadblock, the creative momentum remains high.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Protagonist | Mahesh Babu as Rudhra; also appearing as Lord Rama in flashbacks. |
| Antagonist | Prithviraj Sukumaran as ‘Kumbha’, a wheelchair-bound mastermind. |
| Female Lead | Priyanka Chopra, marking a massive return to the Indian screen. |
| The Plot | A hunt for a lost artifact spanning the Treta Yuga and modern times. |
| Global Reach | Shooting locations include Antarctica, Africa, and Sri Lanka. |
Crisis Management: How the Makers Might Pivot
This situation highlights the growing tension between massive industrial projects and environmental sustainability.
- The “Dry-for-Wet” Alternative: If the water board holds its ground, Rajamouli might pivot to “Dry-for-Wet” filming – a technique where actors are suspended on wires in a smoky room, and water effects are added entirely in post-production.
- Sustainability in Cinema: This incident might push the Indian film industry to invest in mobile water-recycling plants for large-scale sets, ensuring that “The Rajamouli Vision” doesn’t come at the cost of a city’s drinking water.
- The Schedule: With filming planned through May, the team is reportedly looking at private suppliers, though this could significantly inflate the production cost.
The Bottom Line
While the “Varanasi” shoot faces a temporary dry spell, the excitement for the film remains liquid gold. Fans are eager to see how the man who made a bullfight look real in Baahubali and a tiger jump look iconic in RRR will overcome this logistical nightmare.
Release Date: Varanasi is slated for a massive global theatrical release in April 2027.
