Varanasi director SS Rajamouli recalls James Cameron’s advice on filmmaking
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli opens up about the advice he received from Avatar director James Cameron. Set to release in 2027, the filmmaker’s upcoming film Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the lead roles.
Director SS Rajamouli recently narrated a conversation with director James Cameron that came up during the preparation of his next venture, Varanasi. As anticipation for the film continues to grow, Rajamouli reflected on the significance of Cameron’s words in a recent interview.
In an interview shared online by the makers, SS Rajamouli said, “I saw James Cameron talking RRRAnd it made me happy once again. we talked about it at length RRRAnd I remember the words he said were, ‘You keep doing films the way you do’,” Rajamouli shared.
Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, who joined the filmmaker for the interview, also addressed the atmosphere on the sets and shared their experience of filming the much-awaited project.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ request
Priyanka described her excitement for this new role, which will mark her return to Indian cinema after six years. The actor said, “So, I haven’t done an Indian film in the last six years. When they called me, and they said, ‘Oh, you know, this female character is really good, and you have to do this and do anything.’ I said, ‘I have a request, will you make me dance?’ Please, because I haven’t danced in a long time.”
She then said, “Wow, I shouldn’t have asked that, because we were dancing. Oh my God, there’s so much. And poor Mahesh said, ‘It’s because of you. Because of you, I have to do this too.’
Mahesh Babu discusses the soundtrack
Mahesh Babu addressed the dimension of music VaranasiHighlighting the interactions between cast members. He said, “We have already shot a song and it keeps playing in our minds. Priyanka keeps singing it all the time.” With MM Keeravani handling the score, the music is expected to strongly influence the tone of the film.
Describing his entry into the production, Mahesh Babu recalled his reaction after hearing the script from Rajamouli. He stated that the story “blew his mind” and described the story as different from the director’s earlier work.
Elaborating on the structure of the film, Mahesh Babu highlighted its mix, saying, “It was an action-adventure mythology with time travel – all these things.”
The actor, who was initially apprehensive about taking on such a large-scale project, said Rajamouli’s direct communication helped him adapt. As the shooting progressed, Mahesh Babu said that the collaborative environment among the team contributed to the positive experience.
first look reveal
The teasers for the lead roles, Mahesh Babu as Rudra and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, have already been shared by the makers. Prithviraj Sukumaran has been introduced as the antagonist Kumbha.
Varanasi Scheduled for theatrical launch on April 7, 2027.
