James Cameron Offers to Shoot Scenes for SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi

Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron has expressed interest in collaborating with SS Rajamouli on the Indian director’s upcoming film Varanasi, even offering to shoot second-unit scenes for the project.

The interaction took place during a virtual conversation titled ‘Meeting of the Minds: James Cameron in Conversation with SS Rajamouli | Avatar: Fire and Ash’, organised to promote Cameron’s forthcoming film Avatar: Fire and Ash. During the discussion, Cameron shared his admiration for Rajamouli’s work and said he would love to visit the sets of Varanasi.

In a light-hearted yet sincere moment, Cameron said he would be happy to operate a camera and contribute second-unit shots if given the opportunity. He added that he enjoys hands-on filmmaking and values creative exchanges with fellow directors across the world.

Cameron also thanked Rajamouli for taking time out of his busy schedule to support Avatar: Fire and Ash. He said that when Varanasi is ready for release, he would be keen to reciprocate the support and continue the dialogue between filmmakers.

Rajamouli, in turn, praised Avatar: Fire and Ash, calling the experience of watching the film a visual delight. He lauded Cameron’s ability to craft complex sequences and immersive worlds, singling out the Wind Traders, the Ash People and the character Varang as particularly striking.

About Varanasi and Avatar: Fire and Ash

Varanasi is one of Rajamouli’s most ambitious projects and stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. The film has generated significant anticipation due to its scale and international casting.

Meanwhile, Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third instalment in Cameron’s blockbuster sci-fi franchise, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on December 19, 2025. The film follows Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022).

The exchange between the two acclaimed filmmakers has excited fans, offering a glimpse into a rare cross-cultural collaboration between Indian and Hollywood cinema.