James Cameron offers to shoot scenes for SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra!

Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron recently interacted virtually with celebrated Indian director SS Rajamouli, and the exchange quickly caught attention after Cameron offered to shoot scenes for Rajamouli’s ambitious project Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

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A Gesture Rooted in Creative Camaraderie

During the conversation, James Cameron openly acknowledged SS Rajamouli’s packed schedule and ongoing work on Varanasi.

Thanking him for supporting Avatar: Fire and Ash, the Hollywood director said, “I know you must be very busy with Varanasi now. 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.”

His words reflected not just courtesy, but a genuine interest in engaging with filmmakers beyond Hollywood.

Cameron Keen to Visit the Varanasi Set

As the interaction progressed, Cameron expressed his desire to witness Rajamouli’s filmmaking process firsthand. Clearly intrigued by the scale and imagination associated with the director’s projects, he spoke about visiting the set and observing the creative process in action.

“I’d love to come to your set. May I come to your set sometime and watch you create your magic? I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. I think you’re shooting for a while, right? So, plenty of time. Tell me when you’re doing something fun, I don’t know, something with tigers," said Cameron.

‘I Can Get Some Second-Unit Shots’

Before concluding the conversation, Cameron returned to the idea once again, this time offering a hands-on contribution.

Emphasising his passion for operating the camera himself, the filmmaker said, “I’m gonna hold you to it. 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.”

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

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— 𝐁𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 (@BheeshmaTalks) December 17, 2025

The statement sparked excitement among fans, highlighting the possibility of an unprecedented collaboration between two of the world’s most influential directors.

All About Varanasi

Varanasi is directed by SS Rajamouli and co-written by his father, veteran screenwriter Vijayendra Prasad. The film is produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business and is mounted on a grand scale. Mahesh Babu headlines the project as Rudhra and will also be seen portraying Lord Rama. Priyanka Chopra makes her Telugu cinema debut with the film as Mandakini, while Prithviraj Sukumaran essays the antagonist Kumbha.

Also Read: Avatar 3 may feature Varanasi first look-Rajamouli and Cameron’s bond behind the big move?

Release Plans and Beyond

With expectations running high, Varanasi is slated for a grand theatrical release during Sankranthi 2027. Meanwhile, James Cameron is preparing for the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the next chapter in his globally successful Avatar franchise. The warm exchange between Cameron and Rajamouli has only added to the excitement, offering a glimpse of how cinematic worlds might intersect in the future.