Acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron has expressed his eagerness to visit the sets of filmmaker S S Rajamouli’s upcoming big-budget project Varanasi and witness the Indian director at work.
Cameron shared the wish during a conversation with Rajamouli after the latter watched Cameron’s forthcoming film Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is slated for a worldwide release on December 19.
Thanking Rajamouli for taking time to watch and discuss the film, Cameron underlined the importance of creative exchanges between filmmakers and said he would love to observe Rajamouli’s filmmaking process firsthand.
“Thank you so much for doing this. I think it’s important for filmmakers to talk and compare similarities in their creative processes and techniques. I’d love to come to your set sometime and watch you create your magic,” Cameron said during the interaction.
A visibly delighted Rajamouli responded by welcoming Cameron warmly, saying it would be an honour not just for him but for the entire Indian film industry.
Cameron, in turn, said he could not think of anything he would rather do and asked if Rajamouli was currently filming Varanasi.
Confirming that the shoot is underway, Rajamouli revealed that the film has been in production for nearly a year and is expected to continue for another seven to eight months.
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Cameron remarked that there was “plenty of time” and jokingly asked to be informed when the director was filming something particularly exciting, even suggesting scenes involving tigers.
Varanasi, directed by Rajamouli, stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role, with Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran playing pivotal characters.
The film’s title was unveiled last month at a grand event held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, which drew thousands of fans and was described as a landmark moment in Indian cinema.
The launch event featured a massive stage and an expansive screen, making it one of the largest fan gatherings ever seen for an Indian film announcement.
The makers have since revealed the looks and character details of the principal cast, with Mahesh Babu portraying Rudhra, Prithviraj essaying the antagonist Kumbha, and Priyanka Chopra appearing as Mandakini.
