Hyderabad: In a moment of cinematic camaraderie that bridges Hollywood and Tollywood, legendary filmmaker James Cameron has expressed a strong desire to visit the sets of S.S. Rajamouli's upcoming magnum opus, ‘Varanasi’.
The exchange took place during a conversation between the two directors after Rajamouli watched Cameron’s highly anticipated ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, which is slated for global release on December 19.
Cameron, known for his technological pioneering in cinema, initiated the request by emphasizing the value of filmmakers sharing their creative processes. "I'd love to come to your set. May I come to your set sometime and watch you create your magic?" Cameron asked. A clearly delighted Rajamouli welcomed the idea, responding that it would be an "absolute pleasure" and noting that the entire Indian film industry would be thrilled by such a visit. When Cameron inquired about the shooting schedule, specifically asking to see "something fun... something with tigers," Rajamouli confirmed that production has been underway for a year with another seven to eight months remaining.
The film at the center of this conversation, ‘Varanasi’, features Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu as the protagonist Rudhra, alongside Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and Prithviraj as the antagonist Kumbha. The project has already generated massive buzz following its title reveal at Ramoji Film City last month, an event that drew thousands of fans and featured one of the largest stages ever erected for an Indian film launch. With production in full swing, the prospect of the ‘Avatar’ director witnessing the making of Rajamouli's latest spectacle adds another layer of global interest to the project.
(Inputs from IANS)