SS Rajamouli reveals Prithviraj’s first look as Kumbha in ‘Globe Trotter’

Filmmaker S S Rajamouli on Friday revealed the first look of actor Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha in his much-anticipated epic ‘Globe Trotter’, which stars Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu in the lead. Rajamouli described bringing the menacing antagonist to life as a creatively fulfilling experience.

Sharing the first look poster on X, the director wrote, “After canning the first shot with Prithvi, I walked up to him and said you are one of the finest actors I’ve ever known. Bringing life to this sinister, ruthless, powerful antagonist KUMBHA was creatively very satisfying. Thank you Prithvi for slipping into his chair… literally… @PrithviOfficial #GlobeTrotter.”

Responding to the post, Prithviraj wrote, “It’s been an absolute honour Sir! So looking forward to the rest of this mad mad ride! @ssrajamouli.” In the poster, Prithviraj appears to play a specially abled character seated in a high-tech wheelchair equipped with robotic arms and legs.

Mahesh Babu, who also shared the poster, wrote, “Stood on the other side… time to meet you head-on KUMBHA… @PrithviOfficial #GlobeTrotter @ssrajamouli @priyankachopra @mmkeeravaani @SriDurgaArts @SbbySSK.” Priyanka Chopra added to the buzz by posting, “We take off with this one… Meet KUMBHA!! @PrithviOfficial.”
Rajamouli had earlier announced in August that the team would begin revealing details of ‘Globe Trotter’ in November. At the time, he had shared, “Dear Cinema Lovers in India and around the world, as well as fans of Mahesh, It has been a while since we began shooting, and we appreciate your eagerness to know about the film.

“However, the story and scope of this film are so vast that I feel mere pictures or press conferences cannot do it justice. We are currently working on something to showcase the essence, depth, and immersive world we are creating. This will be unveiled in November 2025, and we are trying to make it a NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN reveal. Thank you all for your patience.”

Following Rajamouli’s post, Mahesh Babu also wrote, “Thank you for all the love… I am eagerly waiting, as you all are, for November 2025 to enjoy the reveal with all of you. #GlobeTrotter.”

True to their promise, the team has now started unveiling updates about the project, which has stayed in the spotlight for several reasons. Among them is Mahesh Babu’s decision to perform all his stunts without a body double. Reports suggest that the actor will be executing every action sequence himself.
Additionally, around 95 per cent of the film’s African sequences were shot in Kenya, a fact revealed by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, Musalia W Mudavadi. Rajamouli has also opted for a new cinematographer instead of his long-time collaborator K K Senthil Kumar for this venture.

A significant portion of SSMB29, produced on a massive scale, was filmed in Odisha. The movie features Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles and is described as an action-adventure with elements of history and mythology. Globe Trotter is expected to hit theatres in 2027.