SS Rajamouli Lauds James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash

Renowned Indian director SS Rajamouli, famous for his mega hits, has revealed his first impressions of James Cameron’s new film, Avatar: Fire and Ash. In a virtual session with Cameron aimed at promoting the movie, Rajamouli disclosed that he was the first in India to catch the third chapter of the Avatar saga, an experience he described as “remarkably special.”

Rajamouli applauded Cameron’s artistic vision, highlighting the film's stunning visuals and intricate sequences. He stated, “Watching Fire and Ash was pure joy. Kudos to you for crafting such impactful visuals and complex narratives. I felt like a child in the cinema, captivated by the Wind Traders, the Ash People, and the new characters. Varang was visually breathtaking,” he remarked.

He went on to emphasize the emotional richness of the plot, particularly through Jake Sully’s character arc. The director noted, “Jake’s moral challenges were incredibly engaging. I thought the original Avatar was unparalleled; could this one surpass it? It surely does in many aspects.”

Additionally, he teased the central tensions in the storyline, such as the conflicts between Jake Sully and former human military commander Miles Quaritch, as well as the dynamics between Varang and Neytiri. “The conflicts with Miles and Jake, along with Neytiri and Varang, were brilliantly constructed. I initially despised Miles in the first film, but in Fire and Ash, I find myself conflicted in emotions towards him. The exchanges between Jake and Miles were beautifully crafted; they were filled with deep angst,” Rajamouli added.

Avatar: Fire and Ash marks the third installment of the franchise, following Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022). The film had its premiere at the Dolby Theatre on December 1, 2025, with its theatrical release slated for December 19. Rajamouli’s enthusiastic endorsement is sure to heighten expectations for fans in India and across the globe, eagerly anticipating a return to the emotionally vivid and visually spectacular realm of Pandora.