Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has added yet another prestigious international recognition to his remarkable journey. The visionary director, whose films were taken Indian cinema: to a global audience, 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 packed audiences. The honor became even more special as Rajamouli’s name was permanently added to the Mur des Cinéastes (Wall of Filmmakers), a space dedicated to some of the greatest names in world cinema.
SS Rajamouli shared an emotional message after receiving the award
Rajamouli took to social media to share photos 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 full house in Lyon, France. Thierry Frémaux, the director of the Institut Lumière and the Cannes Film Festival, was kind enough to introduce me. Then he said he planned a surprise and walked me down the very street where cinema was born. I am emotional about everything that is 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 know what to say for the honor of having my name permanently placed on the Mur des Cinéastes, along with the greats. Just be thankful. Deeply, deeply underrated. Thank you, Institut Lumière, for a memory that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” His 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 enhances Rajamouli’s stature as one of India’s most popular directors on the world stage. He directed the blockbusters ‘Eega,’ ‘Baahubali,’ ‘Baahubali 2’ and ‘RRR’ which changed the scale of Indian cinema and earned him universal acclaim over the years. During his career, he has also received many prestigious awards such as Padma Shri, several National Film Awards, Saturn Awards, New York Film Critics Circle Award, and Critics’ Choice Movie Award. His global reputation reached new heights when ‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR became the first song from an Indian film to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
SS Rajamouli is busy with ‘Varanasi’ and ‘Baahubali. The Eternal War’
While basking in this latest accolade, Rajamouli is busy with his upcoming projects. Her much anticipated film ‘Varanasi’ with Mahesh Babu is in production and is one of the biggest Indian films ever made. The release of a new ‘Baahubali’ animated epic 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 will only intensify with each new success, making it another proud moment for Indian cinema.
