Kenya, over the past fortnight, became the stage for one of the world’s most celebrated filmmakers, S. S. Rajamouli, the visionary Indian director, screenwriter, and storyteller whose works have captured the imagination of audiences across continents.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, hosted Rajamouli during his two-week stay in Kenya, where the acclaimed filmmaker and a crew of 120 were filming the highly anticipated Sh.20 billion blockbuster, SSMB29.
Rajamouli, whose career spans more than two decades, is renowned for fusing powerful narratives with groundbreaking visuals and profound cultural depth. After an extensive location-scouting tour across East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, the production team ultimately chose Kenya as the primary filming destination. Nearly 95% of the movie’s African scenes have been shot here.
From the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara to the scenic shores of Naivasha, the rugged terrains of Samburu, and the majestic backdrop of Amboseli, Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes are now firmly woven into what is set to become the largest film production in Asia. Scheduled for release in over 120 countries, SSMB29 is expected to reach an audience of more than one billion people worldwide.
For Kenya, this decision goes beyond cinema, it is a landmark moment that showcases the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and unmatched hospitality to a global audience. As the crew departs for India to continue production, H.E. Musalia Mudavadi underscored that Kenya stands proud, ready to share its story with the world and strengthen its position as a premier destination for film, tourism, and international collaboration.
