In an unprecedented display of mutual admiration, Hollywood director James Cameron told Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli on Tuesday he wants to visit the sets of the Telugu director's upcoming film Varanasi and even offered to operate a camera for second-unit shots.

The exchange took place during a promotional video conversation for Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash, which releases globally on December 19. Rajamouli, who was the first person in India to watch the sci-fi epic ahead of its release, participated in the virtual interaction titled "Meeting of the Minds".

Cameron's Request Thrills Indian Cinema

"I'd love to come to your set. May I come to your set sometime and watch you create your magic?" Cameron asked during the conversation. The Avatar director later added, "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".

Rajamouli responded warmly, saying it would be "an absolute pleasure" and that "not just me, not just my unit, my entire film industry will be thrilled". When Cameron inquired about the shooting schedule, Rajamouli revealed that Varanasi has been in production for nearly a year, with another seven to eight months of filming remaining.

Cameron playfully referenced Rajamouli's Oscar-nominated film RRR, saying, "Tell me when you're doing something fun. I don't know, something with tigers". The comment alluded to the 2022 film's memorable sequences featuring Jr NTR being chased by a tiger and unleashing wild animals during an attack on a British governor's residence.

Global Anticipation Builds for Varanasi

Varanasi stars Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, with Priyanka Chopra playing Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as antagonist Kumbha. The film's title was unveiled at a grand event at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on November 15, which drew thousands of fans and featured one of the largest stages ever constructed for an Indian film event.

The project, co-written by Rajamouli and his father Vijayendra Prasad, blends science-fiction elements with mystical references to ancient India, including the Treta Yug from the Ramayana and symbolism connected to the holy city of Varanasi. The film is slated for release in 2027.