Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has added another prestigious international accolade to his remarkable journey. The visionary director, whose films have made Indian cinema to the world audience, he was honored with the ‘Juliat 2026’ recognition during his visit to the Institut Lumière in Lyon, France. As part of the event, screenings of his acclaimed films ‘Eega’ and ‘RRR’ were held in front of a packed audience. The honor was made even more special as Rajamouli’s name was permanently added to the Mur des Cinéastes, a space dedicated to some of the biggest names in world cinema.
SS Rajamouli shares an emotional message after receiving the honor
Rajamouli took to social media to share photographs from the memorable occasion and reflected on the emotional experience. He wrote: “Visited the Lumière Museum and the screening room where ‘Eega’ and ‘RRR’ were screened to a packed house in Lyon, France. Thierry Frémaux, the director of the Lumière Institute and the Cannes Film Festival, was kind enough to introduce me. Then he said he had planned a surprise and took me for a walk down the very street where cinema was born. I was already excited by everything that was happening around me. And there’s this wall full of plaques. Names of legends like Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino, Francis Ford Coppola… and then I noticed a plate covered with a red cloth. My mind went blank. I don’t even know what to say about the honor of having my name permanently placed on the Mur des Cinéastes, along with the greats. Just gratitude. Deeply, deeply humbled. Thank you, Institut Lumière, for a memory I will carry with me for a lifetime.” Her heartfelt note quickly won the admiration of fans and members of the film fraternity.
Another landmark moment for the acclaimed director
The latest honor only further enhances Rajamouli’s stature as one of India’s most celebrated directors on the world stage. He has directed the blockbusters ‘Eega”Baahubali,’ ‘Baahubali 2’ and ‘RRR’ that have redefined the scale of Indian cinema and earned it universal recognition over the years. During his career, he has also received numerous prestigious awards such as Padma Shri, many National Film Awards, Saturn Awards, New York Film Critics Circle Award and Critics’ Choice Movie Award. His global reputation reached new heights when RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ became the first song from an Indian film to win the Oscar for Best Original Song.
SS Rajamouli is busy with ‘Varanasi’ and ‘Baahubali: The Eternal War’
While enjoying this latest honor, Rajamouli is busy with his next projects. Her highly anticipated film ‘Varanasi’ with Mahesh Babu is in production and is one of the biggest Indian films in the making. He will also release a new animated epic “Baahubali” called “Baahubali: The Eternal War” directed by Ishan Shukla will expand the universe in 2027. As Rajamouli continues to receive accolades from around the world, his impact on world cinema only grows stronger with each new achievement, making it another proud moment for Indian cinema.