Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2 to Feature Surprise Cameo by SS Rajamouli
Acclaimed Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, known globally for blockbuster hits like Baahubali and RRR, is making his unexpected debut in the world of video games. Alongside his son and film producer SS Karthikeya, Rajamouli appears in a cameo role in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the upcoming title by Japanese game director Hideo Kojima.
A Global Crossover Between Cinema and Gaming
Set to release globally on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5, Death Stranding 2 is Kojima Productions’ much-anticipated sequel, continuing the franchise’s signature blend of immersive storytelling and cinematic presentation. While fans expected big names like Norman Reedus, Elle Fanning, and Léa Seydoux — all of whom return to the sequel — few anticipated a crossover with Indian cinema.
Early access gameplay footage has confirmed that Rajamouli and Karthikeya appear as minor, non-playable characters named “The Adventurer” and “Adventurer’s Son.” Though brief, their appearance has gone viral online, with fans celebrating Rajamouli’s leap from directing epics on screen to appearing in an interactive one.
The connection between Kojima and Rajamouli reportedly began in 2022, when the Indian director visited Japan during the global promotional tour of RRR. During the visit, Rajamouli toured Kojima’s cutting-edge development studio and experienced an innovative 360-degree immersive showcase of Kojima’s works. That meeting laid the groundwork for a creative relationship that culminates now with this cameo.
Kojima’s Cinematic Vision Meets Indian Filmmaking
Hideo Kojima is no stranger to pushing the boundaries between film and gaming. Widely regarded as a visionary in the gaming industry, Kojima’s projects often draw comparisons to cinematic storytelling. Death Stranding 2 continues that tradition with its emotionally layered narrative and star-studded cast.
By bringing Rajamouli and Karthikeya into the game, Kojima not only taps into the Indian fanbase but also acknowledges the growing intersection between global entertainment and gaming culture. In a social media post earlier this year, Kojima shared a virtual meeting with Rajamouli and Karthikeya, which the latter described as “beyond exciting.” The buzz around this meeting had already hinted at an upcoming collaboration.
The inclusion of Rajamouli is particularly notable given his impact on Indian cinema’s global standing. His appearance in Death Stranding 2 marks a milestone moment where the worlds of gaming and South Asian cinema merge — a rarity in the current entertainment landscape.
What’s Next
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches worldwide on June 26. The game is expected to be a major highlight of 2025’s gaming calendar and continues Kojima’s legacy of crafting genre-defining titles.
Meanwhile, Rajamouli is currently working on his next feature film, tentatively titled SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. With his gaming debut now complete, fans will be watching closely to see what comes next from one of India’s most influential storytellers.