The much-anticipated first-look poster of SSMB29/Globe Trotter (also known as Varanasi) featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran has gone viral, but not entirely for the right reasons.
The image, unveiled by S. S. Rajamouli’s team, aimed to intrigue audiences but instead became the center of online mockery, sparking a meme storm across social media.
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s SSMB29 poster sparks online debate as fans compare his look to iconic movie villains, stirring buzz ahead of the teaser release.
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s SSMB29 Poster Goes Viral:
In the poster, Prithviraj is shown seated in a wheelchair, his arms enhanced with futuristic mechanical extensions, a design that many netizens immediately compared to Spider-Man’s Doctor Octopus and Krrish 3’s antagonist Kaal.
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…… pic.twitter.com/E6OVBK1QUS
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) November 7, 2025
While the intent was to present an intense, tech-driven look, fans felt the concept leaned a little too familiar.
Social media reactions were swift and sharp.
Comments like “Stephen Hawking meets Doc Ock!” and “This looks straight out of a superhero spoof” flooded X (formerly Twitter) within minutes of the reveal.
What is this @ssrajamouli! DISAPPOINTED 😥#GlobeTrotter #SSMB29 pic.twitter.com/9R8zwvpD0R
— BFilmy Official (@BFilmyOfficiaI) November 7, 2025
Some users expressed disappointment, calling it “too generic” for a Rajamouli production, while others took the opportunity to poke fun with creative memes.
This is shockingly bad. Hard to believe it came from Rajamouli. Bro went from sculpting epics to submitting college assignment the night before deadline. pic.twitter.com/Bi51el3trE
— अपना Bollywood🎥 (@Apna_Bollywood) November 7, 2025
Despite the online trolling, GlobeTrotter continues to hold high expectations.
The film, which stars Mahesh Babu in the lead and Priyanka Chopra opposite him, promises to be a global-scale action spectacle.
While other makers are forced to use AI for audio clips. You can see the work ethics from a director like SSR here. Zero signs of AI being used for a "POSTER". This is what makes him stand apart from the rest 👍🏻#GlobeTrotter #SSMB29 pic.twitter.com/iersNjdlnZ
— Radoo (@Ungamma_ra) November 7, 2025
Prithviraj’s role as the antagonist has particularly piqued interest, with reports suggesting a complex, morally layered character.
Industry watchers note that while the poster backlash may sting, it’s unlikely to dent excitement for the film.
With the teaser slated for a mid-November release, all eyes are now on whether Rajamouli and his team can turn the conversation from memes to marvels.
If the final cut lives up to its promise, GlobeTrotter could still soar past the noise and reaffirm Rajamouli’s reputation for delivering cinematic grandeur with emotional depth.
Lead Image: X
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