SS Rajamouli was inducted into France’s “Wall of Filmmakers” of the Institut Lumiere; Director of ‘Varanasi’ says ‘India is a wealth of stories’ |

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli was honored with a memorial ceremony at the prestigious Institut Lumière in Lyon, France. The director, on Wednesday, was inducted into the “Wall of Filmmakers” to celebrate his work.The director, who is widely known around the world for his work in internationally acclaimed films like ‘RRR’ and ‘Baahubali‘, he was welcomed to the birthplace of film for sold-out screenings, autograph sessions and audience interviews featuring his most famous films, including ‘Eega’. The event, which ran from June 27 to July 17, is said to celebrate Rajamouli’s contribution to international cinema and showcase several of his best-known films.Videos of the ceremony, which went viral on social media, show Rajamouli unveiling a gold plaque bearing his name after removing the red curtain, marking another international honour. The recognition comes after Rajamouli was previously honored with a ceremony at the Cinémathèque, cementing his place among the world’s leading filmmakers.Addressing the audience at the school’s assembly, Rajamouli highlighted the Indian tradition of storytelling. The clip of the episode saw him saying, “India is a great repository of stories. Let it be Indian mythology. Mythology is not the right word, but for lack of a better word, I will say myth. We call it ‘Ehsaas’. Also there are other myths, history and legends…”In yet another video, the director beamed as he entered the packed auditorium before taking part in a huge question-and-answer session after the screening of the film. Photos and videos from the event captured excited fans applauding the filmmaker as he took his place on stage.Rajamouli reportedly helped French audiences preview his upcoming projects, including a preview of his next film, ‘Varanasi’, in which he starred. Mahesh Babuand the cartoon movie ‘Baahubali: The Eternal War’.The filmmaker’s visit to France follows his appearance at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where ‘Baahubali: The Eternal War’ was screened as part of the festival’s Work in Progress programme. Rajamouli has previously said that the film is being made in collaboration with a Japanese animation studio and promised fans that the team is committed to making it “in the best possible way.“Rajamouli’s ongoing tour of France comes as the work of ‘Varanasi’ wraps up. The film is said to have only 80 days left to shoot before it completes the film and begins post-production, in time for a 2027 release.