After Baahubali and RRR, director Rajamouli steps into video game. But in a different role

In May, a brief video call featuring Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli and his son Karthikeya with acclaimed Japanese game creator Hideo Kojima captured widespread attention online. This digital interaction sent social media into a frenzy, with fans speculating about a possible collaboration between the visionary filmmaker and the trailblazing game developer. According to Filmfare, this speculation soon turned into reality. Hideo Kojima, celebrated for his groundbreaking creations like Metal Gear and Death Stranding, is currently working on the much-awaited sequel Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. As per a Filmfare report, Rajamouli and his son are featured in the game, making their debut in the interactive entertainment realm.

Father-Son Duo Featured as Playable Avatars

The inclusion of Rajamouli and Karthikeya in Death Stranding 2 has stirred great excitement in both the gaming and film communities. Known for his larger-than-life storytelling and seamless use of visual effects and action, Rajamouli’s approach has always embraced global sensibilities. In this game, eagle-eyed fans with access to early editions like the Digital Deluxe and Collector’s Editions noticed two avatars titled The Adventurer and Adventurer’s Son, which closely resemble Rajamouli and Karthikeya. Although the appearances are brief, the filmmaker’s presence in a Kojima game adds a new dimension to his growing international footprint. Kojima is widely recognized for crafting video games that blur the line between cinema and gameplay, and Rajamouli’s cameo only reinforces that legacy.

An Artistic Bond Born From RRR’s Global Journey

The relationship between Rajamouli and Kojima dates back to 2022, when the RRR director was promoting his film in Japan. During this time, he had the opportunity to tour Kojima’s game development studio and was treated to a 360-degree immersive experience showcasing Kojima’s body of work. That encounter laid the foundation for a creative partnership that has now evolved into a formal collaboration. Rajamouli’s role in Death Stranding 2 is a testament to his expanding influence beyond the world of Indian cinema. A fan even commented that Rajamouli's international stardom now surpasses many Indian celebrities. The game, also starring Hollywood names such as Norman Reedus, Elle Fanning, and Léa Seydoux, is slated for an exclusive global launch on PlayStation on June 26, 2025.

RRR’s Impact in Japan Continues to Echo

Rajamouli's rise in the global entertainment sphere was significantly propelled by RRR, his blockbuster hit. The film enjoyed an extraordinary 561-day run at the Japanese box office, amassing more than Rs 130 crore in revenue. According to Koimoi, it remains the highest-grossing Indian film ever released in Japan, further solidifying Rajamouli’s stature in international markets.

Hideo Kojima: A Visionary Game Auteur

Hideo Kojima, born on August 24, 1963, is widely hailed as a revolutionary figure in video game design. With a deep love for cinema and storytelling from a young age, Kojima’s creative style has always fused the narrative intensity of films with the interactivity of gaming. He began his career at Konami in 1986, where he directed Metal Gear—the title that established the stealth genre. He also led notable projects like Snatcher, Policenauts, and the Zone of the Enders series. In 2005, he founded Kojima Productions, a studio known for merging cinematic storytelling with cutting-edge gameplay.

Now, with Rajamouli’s entry into Kojima’s digital universe, two global storytellers have found common ground—merging cinema and gaming in a way that has captivated fans across both industries.