Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli has once again made the nation proud, this time not with a blockbuster release but with a place in cinema's history itself.

The visionary director behind global hits like Eega and RRR has been honoured with a plaque on the prestigious Mur des Cinéastes at the Lumière Museum in Lyon, France, a landmark regarded as the birthplace of cinema. The recognition places Rajamouli alongside some of the most celebrated filmmakers the world has ever known, marking yet another milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage.

The emotional moment came after Rajamouli visited the museum and the screening room where Eega and the Oscar-winning RRR were screened to a packed audience, reflecting the immense international appreciation for his storytelling.

An Emotional Walk Through Cinema's Birthplace

Rajamouli shared the memorable experience with fans on social media, revealing that the visit became far more special than he had expected. According to the filmmaker, Thierry Frémaux, director of the Institut Lumière and the Cannes Film Festival, personally welcomed him before taking him on a tour through the historic street where cinema was born.

Rajamouli described feeling deeply emotional throughout the visit, unaware that an unforgettable surprise awaited him. That surprise came in front of the famous Mur des Cinéastes, a wall adorned with plaques honouring legendary filmmakers from across the world.

Standing Beside the Greatest Names in World Cinema

As Rajamouli looked at the wall, he saw names that have shaped the history of filmmaking—Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino and Francis Ford Coppola among them. Then he noticed one plaque covered with a red cloth. Moments later, it was unveiled to reveal his own name.

"My mind went blank," Rajamouli recalled, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. He said he was deeply humbled to have his name permanently placed alongside filmmakers whose work has inspired generations across the globe. Calling it a memory he would cherish for life, he thanked the Institut Lumière for the extraordinary honour.

A Global Journey That Keeps Growing

Rajamouli's international recognition has steadily grown over the past few years, especially after RRR captivated audiences worldwide and made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Naatu Naatu."

His films, known for their larger-than-life visuals, emotional storytelling and universal appeal, have introduced millions of international viewers to Indian cinema in a new way. The packed screenings of Eega and RRR in Lyon further highlighted the global admiration his work continues to receive.

Eyes Now on 'Varanasi'

Even as he celebrates this remarkable honour, Rajamouli is busy shaping his next cinematic spectacle. Earlier this year, he unveiled the first glimpse of his upcoming film Varanasi at the Annecy Animation Festival. Starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the ambitious project has already become one of the most anticipated Indian films in recent years.

Scheduled for a theatrical release on April 7, 2027, Varanasi is expected to continue Rajamouli's tradition of pushing cinematic boundaries.

Long before Varanasi reaches theatres, Rajamouli has already delivered one of the biggest headlines of his career—earning a place among the immortals of world cinema