Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli received a rousing welcome from fans at the iconic Grand Rex theatre in Paris, where he hosted a special masterclass and a screening of his global blockbuster ‘RRR’. The director, who has been in France on a promotional spree, also watched his box office blockbuster, ‘Baahubali’ with the audience gathered at the theatre.
SS Rajamouli gets a warm welcome in Paris
SS Rajamouli on Paris’ Grand Rex theatre
Addressing the audience at the historic venue, Rajamouli expressed his admiration for the theatre, saying, “To me it’s the most beautiful theatre in the world.” He then went on to recall his first visit to a theatre and claimed that he still remembers minute details.
SS Rajamuli on interaction with James Cameron
Videos from the event saw Rajamouli in his usual black shirt and blue jeans, make an appearance on the big stage as his fans cheered him along. The event saw him sit down with a host for a Q and A session, where he shared his love for cinema, reflected on his memorable meeting with director James Cameron and also revealed if his film ‘Eega’ was inspired from ‘TOY STORY’.The director addressed the audience and shared his belief about cinema’s ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. “Art is one of the strongest mediums to bring people together. I’m an Indian filmmaker who speaks Telugu and I don’t know a lot about French culture… and yet all these people are here to see my film. It is beautiful,” he said.During the masterclass, Rajamouli recalled his interaction with Cameron, saying, “I was so starry-eyed just looking at him. He was talking about how he watched RRR twice. We also talked about AI, a topic that scares me. He said AI will never replace filmmaking, which I found reassuring.”During the event, Rajamouli was also quizzed about whether the hit animated film ‘Toy Story’ inspired his film ‘Eega’. To this, he simply said, “No.”
Paris fans attend Rajamouli’s film screenings
SS Rajamouli promotes ‘Varanasi’ in Paris
Rajamouli also used the occasion to promote his upcoming film, ‘Varanasi’. Photos and videos from the theatre saw the audience getting free tees with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra’s characters printed on them. They were also treated to some other film merchandise, placed on their seats before they arrived in the cinema.In a video from his Paris visit, the director was seen thanking the audience for their support, and assuring them of his return with his next big venture. He said, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. A filmmaker can’t ask for more. I would definitely be coming back with my next film ‘Varanasi’. They always say, a filmmaker is a very greedy person and I am a very greedy person. I want more of your love. Thank you very much.”The ‘Varanasi’ film handle shared the clip with the caption, “Paris…Your love makes us work even harder to bring #Varanasi to you. We promise.”The filmmaker had also shared an update with fans about his next venture, ‘Varanasi’. Besides informing fans that a major portion of the shoot was complete, he added, “Only the smaller scenes are left to be shot, with around 80 more days of filming remaining to wrap up the project”Rajamouli’s Paris appearance comes after he presented ‘Baahubali: The Eternal War’ at an event held during Annecy 2026. The director was also honoured with a grand recognition at the Cinematheque Francaise in Paris.
