Avatar 3 Reviews: ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Wows with Visuals, but Story Feels Repetitive and Lengthy

James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is set to hit theaters on Friday, 19 December 2025, but early reviews from the premiere shows are already out. While legendary Indian filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli has lauded the film and its director, some critics have praised the visuals but found the storyline repetitive and exhausting.

Rajamouli’s Take: A Visual Feast and Emotional Engagement

The Baahubali and RRR director S.S. Rajamouli attended an early screening and spoke to James Cameron virtually to promote the film. He revealed that he is among the first in India to watch Avatar 3 and showered praise on both the film and its creator.

Speaking about his experience, Rajamouli said, “Watching ‘Fire and Ash’ was an incredible experience. The complex sequences, visuals, and character development deserve applause. I felt like a child watching new characters, the Ash people, and Varang unfold on screen. Varang is absolutely stunning.”

He also highlighted the moral dilemmas faced by Jake Sully, stating, “The interactions between Jake and Miles were beautifully written. I wanted to dislike Miles, but I couldn’t. I wanted to support Jake and care for him – it was gripping.”

Pandora at War: The Story and Villain Arc

According to ETimes, the film continues the saga from Avatar: The Way of Water. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and their children face not only returning human colonizers but also a new formidable enemy, Varang (Una Chaplin), the ruthless leader of the fire-wielding Mangkwan tribe. Varang allies with humans, escalating the conflict and bringing another war to Pandora.

However, critics note that while the film introduces a new warrior tribe and expands the franchise lore, the 3-hour-and-17-minute runtime feels heavy. The story often circles familiar themes – tribal conflicts, spiritual awakening, and anti-colonial resistance – without offering fresh perspectives.

Villain Varang’s Arc Disappoints

Varang is introduced as a menacing villain, but her character quickly loses impact, becoming more decorative than threatening. Critics suggest that the film missed an opportunity to craft a compelling and memorable antagonist.

Stunning Visuals, but Length and Pacing a Challenge

There is no denying Cameron’s mastery in visual storytelling. Every frame is meticulously crafted, and the film is visually mesmerizing. Yet, critics point out that the narrative lacks emotional depth and momentum, making large portions of the film feel tedious. The story picks up directly from The Way of Water, which may confuse viewers who haven’t seen the previous installment.

In summary, Avatar: Fire and Ash is a feast for the eyes and a testament to Cameron’s cinematic vision, but the long runtime and familiar plotlines may test the patience of some viewers.