Highlights:
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SS Rajamouli confirms James Cameron has expressed interest in visiting the sets of Varanasi.
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Cameron offers to shoot second-unit scenes during production.
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Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
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SS Rajamouli says the film has been in production for nearly a year, with seven to eight months remaining.
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James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash releases worldwide on December 19, 2025.
Hollywood director James Cameron has offered to shoot select scenes for SS Rajamouli’s upcoming epic Varanasi, marking a rare moment of interaction between two globally recognized filmmakers. The development emerged after SS Rajamouli and Cameron connected during a recent virtual conversation to discuss Cameron’s next Avatar installment, Avatar: Fire and Ash.
During the exchange, Cameron expressed interest in visiting the sets of Varanasi and potentially contributing to the film by handling second-unit photography. SS Rajamouli later confirmed that the offer was genuine and welcomed, though no formal schedule has been finalized.
The interaction has drawn significant attention online, with film industry observers noting the symbolic importance of a collaboration, even an informal one, between SS Rajamouli and James Cameron.
SS Rajamouli on James Cameron’s interest in Varanasi
During the virtual discussion, Cameron spoke directly to SS Rajamouli about his desire to observe the director at work. He told Rajamouli he would like to visit the sets and “watch you create your magic.” Cameron also joked about wanting to be present during technically demanding sequences, mentioning scenes “with tigers” or other visually complex moments.
Cameron added, “I’m gonna hold you to it. You can give me a camera. I like to operate. I can get some shots for you, some second unit, maybe.”
SS Rajamouli responded positively to the comment and described the suggestion as an honor, not just personally, but for Indian cinema as a whole. While Rajamouli did not confirm a timeline for Cameron’s visit, he acknowledged that the offer reflects Cameron’s genuine interest in the project.
Clips from the conversation have circulated widely on social media platforms, where fans highlighted the mutual respect between SS Rajamouli and Cameron.
Why James Cameron wants to visit SS Rajamouli’s sets
James Cameron’s interest in Varanasi appears rooted in his appreciation for SS Rajamouli’s approach to large-scale storytelling and visual execution. Cameron’s remarks suggest curiosity about Rajamouli’s on-set process, particularly during action-heavy or technically demanding scenes.
Observers note that Cameron’s willingness to shoot second-unit footage is unusual for a filmmaker of his stature, reinforcing the level of professional regard he holds for SS Rajamouli. While the involvement would be limited in scope, even a brief contribution would carry symbolic weight given Cameron’s global influence.
At this stage, Cameron’s participation remains a possibility rather than a confirmed arrangement.
I’m gonna come to your set #SSRajamouli. You can give me a camera and I’m gonna take few shots for you like a second unit director.
– #JamesCameron #AvatarFireAndAsh
— 𝐁𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 (@BheeshmaTalks) December 17, 2025
What’s next for Varanasi
According to SS Rajamouli, Varanasi has been in active production for nearly a year. The director stated that filming is expected to continue for another seven to eight months. The project is being produced by Sri Durga Arts and co-written by Rajamouli’s father, Vijayendra Prasad.
The film stars Mahesh Babu in a dual role as Rudhra and Lord Rama. Priyanka Chopra plays Mandakini, marking her Telugu film debut. Prithviraj Sukumaran appears as the antagonist, Kumbha.
SS Rajamouli has confirmed that Varanasi is targeting a Sankranthi 2027 theatrical release. The production reportedly includes extensive set builds and large-scale action sequences, consistent with Rajamouli’s established filmmaking style.
Industry sources suggest that the scale of Varanasi is one of the reasons Cameron expressed interest in observing or contributing to the production.
SS Rajamouli praises Avatar: Fire and Ash
During the same interaction, SS Rajamouli spoke about his experience watching Avatar: Fire and Ash. He said he felt “like a child in the theatre” while viewing the film and pointed to its complex sequences and immersive world-building as benchmarks for contemporary cinema.
Rajamouli also acknowledged the technical effort behind Cameron’s work and thanked him for continuing to push visual storytelling forward. Cameron, in turn, thanked SS Rajamouli for promoting Avatar: Fire and Ash despite being deeply involved in the production of Varanasi.
The exchange reinforced the professional respect shared by the two directors and added to speculation about a potential on-set meeting.
Where things stand now for SS Rajamouli and James Cameron
Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to premiere in India on December 19, 2025, following its world premiere at the Dolby Theatre on December 1. Meanwhile, SS Rajamouli continues work on Varanasi, with filming ongoing and post-production planning underway.
At present, James Cameron’s involvement in Varanasi remains informal and unconfirmed beyond his expressed interest. However, SS Rajamouli has not ruled out the possibility of Cameron visiting the set or contributing second-unit footage if schedules align.
For now, the interaction stands as a notable moment in global cinema, highlighting a rare exchange between SS Rajamouli and James Cameron at a time when both are engaged in some of the most high-profile projects of their careers.
