In a landmark virtual meeting that bridges Hollywood and Indian cinema, legendary filmmaker James Cameron and Indian maestro S.S. Rajamouli exchanged mutual admiration and an exciting proposal. The conversation, centered around Cameron's upcoming film Avatar: Fire and Ash, took a fascinating turn when Cameron expressed his desire to visit the set of Rajamouli's much-anticipated epic, Varanasi.
A Mutual Exchange of Cinematic Praise
The interaction, shared on the YouTube channel of 20th Century Studios India, began with Cameron acknowledging Rajamouli's busy schedule with Varanasi. Rajamouli, having been given an exclusive early look at Avatar: Fire and Ash, was effusive in his praise. He described the experience as "an absolute pleasure" and stated he felt like "a child in the theatre" watching the complex sequences and visuals. He thanked Cameron for making him the first among 1.45 billion Indians to see the film.
James Cameron, in turn, promised his support for Rajamouli's upcoming project. "If I can reciprocate when your new film is coming to market, please keep me in mind. I love to have a dialogue with other filmmakers," Cameron said, referring to the 2027 release of Varanasi.
"May I Come to Your Set?": Cameron's Playful Proposal
The discussion then took an unexpected and thrilling turn. Cameron directly asked Rajamouli, "I would love to come to your set. May I come to your set sometime and watch you create your magic?" A delighted Rajamouli immediately accepted, declaring that not just his unit, but the entire Indian film industry would be thrilled.
Cameron added a playful condition to his request, asking Rajamouli to inform him "when you are doing something fun… I don't know something with tigers," a nod perhaps to the grand visual spectacles both directors are renowned for creating. This exchange has sparked speculation about Cameron potentially serving as a second-unit director or a special advisor for a sequence in the Indian epic.
What We Know About The Upcoming Projects
Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the groundbreaking sci-fi franchise that began in 2009, is set for global release on December 19, 2025. While initially planned as a five-film series, there is now speculation that this chapter might conclude the franchise.
On the other hand, Rajamouli's Varanasi, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Mahesh Babu, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is one of the most awaited Indian films. The virtual meet has now added a new layer of global anticipation for this 2027 release, with the possibility of a Hollywood legend witnessing its creation firsthand.
This interaction underscores the growing collaborative spirit between global and Indian cinema giants, setting the stage for potential historic crossovers behind the scenes. Fans of both cinematic worlds will be eagerly watching for further developments on Cameron's proposed visit to the Varanasi set.
