Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to star in SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film, SSMB29, alongside Mahesh Babu, following the monumental success of RRR. Rajamouli’s next project, with a budget exceeding Rs. 1000 crore, is expected to be a massive cinematic experience, and fans are eagerly awaiting the fresh pairing of Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra.
While excitement builds around the film's grand scale, another major talking point is Priyanka Chopra's reported remuneration for the project. The actress, known for her global appeal, is said to be charging a hefty Rs. 30 crore for SSMB29, making her the highest-paid actress in the Indian film industry. This has reportedly pushed Deepika Padukone, who was previously the highest-paid with a salary of Rs. 15 to 20 crore per film, into second place. Priyanka’s fee has surpassed Deepika’s by a significant margin.
The film, which will be directed by Rajamouli, is expected to showcase breathtaking visuals and a compelling story. Rajamouli is known for his larger-than-life approach to filmmaking, and with SSMB29, he is set to deliver another grand spectacle. The movie is rumored to include filming locations in exotic destinations, such as Kenya, in addition to scenes in Hyderabad.
Along with Priyanka and Mahesh, the project has also generated buzz for its potential star-studded cast, with rumors suggesting John Abraham could join the ensemble. Despite reports about Priyanka’s significant paycheck, there has been no official confirmation from the film’s producers regarding her salary. However, her fee underscores the film’s colossal scale and the star power involved.
As production for SSMB29 continues behind closed doors, with tight security measures and NDAs in place, fans eagerly await what is expected to be one of the biggest releases in Indian cinema. With the combination of Rajamouli’s direction, Mahesh Babu’s stardom, and Priyanka Chopra’s global fanbase, SSMB29 is poised for international success.
Mukerji parts ways with YRF’s Dhoom 4 after reported creative disagreements.
Decision said to be amicable, with Aditya Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor supportive.
Director shifts focus to Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, expected to begin filming in 2026.
Filmmaker steps away from YRF’s action franchise
Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji has stepped away from Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) highly anticipated action project Dhoom 4, reportedly due to creative differences. According to Bollywood Hungama, Mukerji’s vision for the film did not align with the studio’s direction, prompting him to withdraw from the project.
Mukerji, who was in discussions to direct the next instalment of the hit franchise—expected to star Ranbir Kapoor—was said to have limited control over the script, which was reportedly written by Shridhar Raghavan. The director, best known for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Brahmastra, was keen on shaping the film creatively rather than simply executing an existing plan.
A source quoted in the report said, “Ayan didn’t have much say in the screenplay and didn’t want to embark on another journey of just execution.”
Amicable parting after discussions with Aditya Chopra
Before stepping away, Mukerji is believed to have held several discussions with YRF head Aditya Chopra and actor Ranbir Kapoor. Both reportedly supported his decision, with insiders describing the split as “completely amicable.”
The director’s departure does not mark the end of Dhoom 4, as YRF plans to continue with the project under a new director. The studio may also reconsider casting options, despite earlier reports that Ranbir Kapoor had set aside dates for the film.
Focus returns to the Brahmastra universe
Following his exit from Dhoom 4, Mukerji has shifted attention back to his passion project—the Brahmastra series. The filmmaker is currently developing Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, the sequel to the 2022 fantasy epic.
The film, initially expected to begin production earlier, is now likely to go on floors in 2026. Sources suggest Mukerji intends to expand the Astraverse with more depth in storytelling, combining elements of mythology, drama, and spectacle.
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