Mahesh Babu is carefully planing every aspect of his career now, given that his immediate next film after the ongoing SSMB28 is with the mighty Rajamouli. He doesn't want any sli ups before the monstrous project with Rajamouli and hence the effort. 

The latest we hear is that Mahesh Babu is keen on locking the 2024 Sankranthi release slot for SSMB28 which is in production phase now. 

The makers originally announced that the film could be released in August, but that doesn't appear to be the case now as Mahesh is persistent on Sankranthi release, it seems. 

Mahesh's Sarileru Neekevvaru had a dream run at the box office back in 2020 Sankranthi season. And now, with that inmind, Mahesh is contemplating the 2024 Sankranthi slot for SSMB28 it seems. 

SSMB28 is likely to lock the early 2024 Sankranthi slot and an official word on the same could be out in the near future. 

More details about the same will be out in the days to follow as the first priority now is to wrap up the shoot before confirming the official release plan of the film.