‘Only gratitude. deeply, deeply humbled,’ SS Rajamouli reacts to being honored as ‘Julliat 2026’ in France
Filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli has added yet another prestigious international recognition to his remarkable journey. The visionary director, whose films have taken Indian cinema to global audiences, was honoured with the ‘Julliat 2026’ recognition during his visit to Institut Lumière in Lyon, France. As part of the event, screenings of his acclaimed films ‘Eega’ and ‘RRR’ were held before a packed audience. The honour 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 shares an emotional message after receiving the honour
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 full house in Lyon, France. Thierry Frémaux, the director of the Institut Lumière and the Cannes Film Festival, was gracious enough to introduce me. Then he said he had planned a surprise and walked me through the very street where cinema was born. I was already emotional for everything that was happening around me. And there is 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 for the honour of having my name permanently placed on the Mur des Cinéastes, along with the greats. Only gratitude. Deeply, deeply humbled. Thank you, Institut Lumière, for a memory I will carry 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 honour only further enhances Rajamouli’s stature as one of India’s most feted 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 fetched him universal acclaim over the years. During his career, he has also received many prestigious awards such as the 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 ‘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 honour, Rajamouli is busy with his upcoming projects. His highly anticipated film ‘Varanasi’ with Mahesh Babu is in production and is one of the biggest Indian films in the making. Also releasing a new ‘Baahubali’ animated epic called ‘Baahubali: The Eternal War’ directed by Ishan Shukla will be expanding the universe in 2027. As Rajamouli continues to receive accolades from around the globe, his impact on world cinema only gets stronger with each new achievement, making it another proud moment for Indian cinema.
