GlobeTrotter in 120 countries: Bold dream or social media hype?

SS Rajamouli has already conquered the pan-Indian market and is now setting his sights firmly on the global stage. His next magnum opus, tentatively titled GlobeTrotter, features Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles, with filming currently underway in Kenya.

Since last night, social media has been buzzing with reports that “GlobeTrotter” (also known as #SSMB29) is being planned for release in as many as 120 countries simultaneously, much like big-ticket Hollywood productions. If true, it would mark an unprecedented milestone for an Indian film.

Adding fuel to the speculation is talk that Hollywood-based promotional agency Connekkt Mob Scene might partner with Rajamouli for the film’s international marketing push. Given Rajamouli’s proven knack for innovative promotions such collaboration wouldn’t come as a surprise.

However, the claim raises questions. Can an Indian film realistically achieve a 120-country release on day one? To put it in perspective, James Cameron’s Avatar 2, one of the biggest films of all time, opened in only 49 global markets during its first week.

Traditionally, the overseas markets for Indian cinema are concentrated in regions such as North America, the UK, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the Gulf nations, and France. Even when including some African territories, the reach hardly crosses two dozen countries. Against that backdrop, the “120 countries” claim seems more like social media exaggeration than a concrete plan.

“GlobeTrotter” is being produced by KL Narayana, with MM Keeravani scoring the music and PS Vinod handling cinematography. As shooting progresses in Kenya, the film already has the world watching and waiting to see if it can live up to its ambitious release chatter.