Varanasi, February 4, 2026 – In a moment that has defined the humility of India’s most successful filmmaker, SS Rajamouli has firmly dismissed ongoing comparisons between himself and Hollywood legend James Cameron. Speaking at a press interaction during the promotion of his upcoming magnum opus, ‘Varanasi‘, Rajamouli stated that while he is humbled by the parallels drawn by fans, he considers himself nothing more than a “student” of the Avatar director.
“No Way I Can Compare”
The comparison between the two visionaries has intensified following the global success of RRR and the massive scale of Varanasi, which is being touted as India’s most expensive film with a budget of ₹1,300 crore. However, Rajamouli was quick to ground the conversation.
“I feel very humbled, but there is no way that I can compare myself with the legendary, great Jim,” Rajamouli told Screen Rant Plus. “He is like a master and I am a student. That is what I can tell you.”
The mutual respect between the two is well-documented. In late 2025, during a video conference for Avatar: Fire & Ash, Cameron famously expressed his desire to visit the sets of Varanasi, even jokingly offering to work as a second unit director if Rajamouli was filming “something fun… like tigers.”
Breaking the ‘Baahubali’ Formula: Single-Part Epic
In a major update for fans, Rajamouli also confirmed that Varanasi will not be a two-part film. Breaking his streak of multi-part sagas like Baahubali, the filmmaker clarified that the story of Varanasi is a unified experience.
- Runtime: The film is expected to be approximately 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes long.
- Technological First: It will be the first Indian film shot entirely in 1.43:1 IMAX format.
- Plot Buzz: The story reportedly revolves around a catastrophic event—an asteroid hitting the ancient city of Varanasi—triggering a time-bending journey.
A Powerhouse Cast
- Mahesh Babu stars as Rudhra, a globe-trotting explorer inspired by the characteristics of Lord Hanuman.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas returns to Indian cinema as Mandakini, a role Rajamouli described as “layered and demanding.”
- Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays the primary antagonist, Kumbha, who uses a high-tech wheelchair as an “extension of his persona.”
Produced by KL Narayana and SS Karthikeya, with music by Oscar-winner MM Keeravaani, Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, strategically aligned with the Ugadi and Rama Navami festive window.
Key Highlights:
- Humble Refusal: SS Rajamouli dismissed comparisons to James Cameron, calling himself a “student” of the Hollywood master during a press meet.
- Standalone Epic: Contrary to rumors, Varanasi will be a single-part film with a runtime of roughly 190–200 minutes.
- Sci-Fi Mythology: The film stars Mahesh Babu as a time-traveling hero responding to an asteroid strike in the holy city of Varanasi.
- IMAX Milestone:Varanasi is confirmed as the first non-English film to be shot entirely for 1.43:1 IMAX screens.