Filmmaker SS Rajamouli says just like any other filmmaker, he also harbours the ambition to make a Hollywood film someday.
However, the decision to venture into Hollywood is not easy for the filmmaker, whose latest movie "RRR" is registering wins at various award ceremonies in the US after very strong word-of-mouth.
"I think it is the dream of every filmmaker across the world to make a film in Hollywood. I am no different. I'm open to experimentation," Rajamouli told American news outlet Entertainment Weekly during its Awardist podcast.
The filmmaker, whose filmography also includes hits such as "Magadheera", "Eega" and two "Baahubali" films, said he is in a "bit of confusion" as he loves the creative freedom he gets when directing Telugu movies.
"Back in India, I am the dictator. No one tells me how to make a film," he said.
He believes that a Hollywood project might be an opportunity for a co-credit. "Very probably, my first step will be collaborating with someone," Rajamouli added.
Rajamouli is currently in the US to attend the Hollywood award season. The filmmaker's "RRR", headlined by Ram Charan and Jr NTR, was nominated in five categories at the Critics Choice Awards and won two trophies -- best foreign language film and best song for "Naatu Naatu".
"RRR" is a pre-Independence fictional story focusing on two real-life Indian revolutionaries in the 1920s -- Alluri Sitarama Raju (Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Jr NTR). The movie also features Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn in special appearances.
The movie also won a Golden Globe for best original song for "Naatu Naatu".
Mukerji parts ways with YRF’s Dhoom 4 after reported creative disagreements.
Decision said to be amicable, with Aditya Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor supportive.
Director shifts focus to Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, expected to begin filming in 2026.
Filmmaker steps away from YRF’s action franchise
Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji has stepped away from Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) highly anticipated action project Dhoom 4, reportedly due to creative differences. According to Bollywood Hungama, Mukerji’s vision for the film did not align with the studio’s direction, prompting him to withdraw from the project.
Mukerji, who was in discussions to direct the next instalment of the hit franchise—expected to star Ranbir Kapoor—was said to have limited control over the script, which was reportedly written by Shridhar Raghavan. The director, best known for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Brahmastra, was keen on shaping the film creatively rather than simply executing an existing plan.
A source quoted in the report said, “Ayan didn’t have much say in the screenplay and didn’t want to embark on another journey of just execution.”
Amicable parting after discussions with Aditya Chopra
Before stepping away, Mukerji is believed to have held several discussions with YRF head Aditya Chopra and actor Ranbir Kapoor. Both reportedly supported his decision, with insiders describing the split as “completely amicable.”
The director’s departure does not mark the end of Dhoom 4, as YRF plans to continue with the project under a new director. The studio may also reconsider casting options, despite earlier reports that Ranbir Kapoor had set aside dates for the film.
Focus returns to the Brahmastra universe
Following his exit from Dhoom 4, Mukerji has shifted attention back to his passion project—the Brahmastra series. The filmmaker is currently developing Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, the sequel to the 2022 fantasy epic.
The film, initially expected to begin production earlier, is now likely to go on floors in 2026. Sources suggest Mukerji intends to expand the Astraverse with more depth in storytelling, combining elements of mythology, drama, and spectacle.
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