James Cameron Wants To Visit SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi Set, Serve As Second Unit Director

Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron has returned with the third instalment in the highly popular Avatar franchise, with Avatar: Fire and Ash. The science fiction film was released in theatres on Friday, December 19.

For the promotions of Avatar: Fire and Ash in India, Cameron recently took part in a virtual conversation with filmmaker SS Rajamouli, known for helming projects like the Baahubali series and RRR.

Rajamouli’s conversation with Cameron was shown on the YouTube channel of 20th Century Studios India.

While speaking to the Hollywood filmmaker, Rajamouli praised his work and the new film in the Avatar franchise. On the other hand, Cameron promised that he will remain available during the release of Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi, which

is expected to come out in 2027 and features Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead.

Cameron showed his interest in visiting the set of Varanasi, noting that Rajamouli is filming “something fun.”

During the conversation, the Titanic director even acknowledged the Indian filmmaker’s busy schedule.

“You must be very busy with Varanasi now,” he said. In reply, Ramamouli said, “Yes sir. But it’s an absolute pleasure.”

Cameron continued, “Well 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. I think we need more of that”.

Rajamouli later thanked Cameron for making him “the first person, or probably the only person amongst 1.45 billion Indians to watch Avatar Fire and Ash”. He added that it feels “very, very special.”

“I think it’s important for filmmakers to talk and compare similarities in their mental creative process and technique,” Cameron said.

He did not stop here and told Rajamouli that he “would love to come to your set.”

“May I come to your set sometime and watch you create your magic?” James asked.

Rajamouli was thrilled to hear that and said it would be an “absolute pleasure” to welcome him.

“You are most welcome. Not just me, and my unit, my entire film industry will be thrilled,” he added.

On the Varanasi shooting, Rajamouli stated, “It’s almost a year now and another 7-8 months to go. We are in the middle of shoot.”

Cameron then asked Rajamouli to inform him whenever he is “doing something fun”.

The Hollywood filmmaker added, “I’m gonna come to your set. You can give me a camera. I like to operate. I can get some shots for you, some second unit maybe.”

Avatar: Fire and Ash features Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and Kate Winslet among others.