Filmmaker SS Rajamouli received a rousing welcome from fans at the iconic Grand Rex theater in Paris, where he hosted a special masterclass and a screening of his global blockbuster ‘RRR’. The director, who was in France for promotions, also watched his box office blockbuster ‘Baahubali’ with audiences thronging the theatres.
SS Rajamouli Received a warm welcome in Paris
SS Rajamouli at the Grand Rex Theater in Paris
Addressing the audience at the historic venue, Rajamouli expressed his admiration for the theatre, saying, “For me, it is the most beautiful theater in the world.” He then went on to recall his first visit to a theater and claimed he still remembered minute details.
SS Rajamouli in conversation with James Cameron
Videos from the event showed Rajamouli in his usual black shirt and blue jeans, appearing on the big stage as his fans cheered him on. The event saw him sit down with a host for a question-and-answer session, where he shared his love for cinema, reflected on his memorable meeting with director James Cameron and also revealed whether his film ‘Iga’ was inspired by ‘Toy Story’.The director addressed the audience and shared his belief in cinema’s ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. “Art is one of the most powerful mediums to bring people together. I’m an Indian filmmaker who speaks Telugu and I don’t know much about French culture… and yet all these people are here to watch my film. It’s beautiful,” he said.During the masterclass, Rajamouli recalled his conversation with Cameron, “I was just staring at him very starry-eyed. He was talking about how he had seen RRR twice. We also talked about AI, a topic that scares me. He said that AI will never replace filmmaking, which I found reassuring.”During the event, Rajamouli was also asked whether the hit animated film ‘Toy Story’ inspired his film ‘Eega’. To this he simply said, “No.”
Rajamouli’s film screening was attended by fans in Paris
SS Rajamouli is promoting ‘Baranasi’ in Paris
Rajamouli also used the event to promote his upcoming film ‘Baranasi’. Pictures and videos from the theater saw the audience getting free teasers printed with characters of Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. They were also treated to some other film merchandise before they were seated in the cinema.In a video from his Paris visit, the director is seen thanking the audience for their support and assuring him to be back with his next big venture. He said, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. A filmmaker can’t ask for more than that. I will definitely come 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 film handle ‘Varanasi’ shared the clip with the caption, “Paris…your love makes us work harder to bring #Varanasi to you. We promise.”The filmmaker also shared an update with fans about his next venture ‘Varanasi’. Besides informing fans that a major part of the shoot has been completed, he added, “Only small scenes are left to shoot, about 80 days left to complete 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 honored with a grand recognition at the Cinematheque Francaise in Paris.
