Prithviraj Sukumaran Finds Direction More Complex Than Acting
The actor-filmmaker talks about L2: Empuraan, what's next for the Lucifer trilogy and what's it like working with Mohanlal
When we meet actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, he’s neck-deep in promotions for L2: Empuraan, the sequel to his 2018 blockbuster, Lucifer. You’d expect him to be a bit exhausted from the multi-city promotional tour, but the star doesn’t reflect any fatigue and is only eager to gauge the reactions to his third directorial movie.
After 100 films in multiple languages as an actor, Prithviraj finally donned the director’s hat with Lucifer. Though it’s only been a few years for him as a director, he’s definitely established himself as a filmmaker to watch out for.
He chats with us about his new movie, collaborating with thespian Mohanlal and the lessons Bollywood could learn from Malayalam cinema.
What was your core belief when you set out to make Lucifer?
The first time we set about ideating on the whole film, we knew we were going to attempt something very, very big. When we shot Lucifer in 2018, it was the biggest ever film attempted in Malayalam, and it was possible only because of the confidence and faith Mohan Lal Sir had in me, and on the subject that I pitched to him.
The second part of this franchise is truly set at a scale and canvas that has never been attempted before in Malayalam cinema. We hope that it is truly internationally appealing in its aesthetics, scale and ambition.
What was it like collaborating with Mohanlal?
The greatest lesson you can pick up from legends like Mohanlal Sir or Mammooty Sir is how easily and willingly they completely surrender to the written word and the director's vision. The one lesson that I have learned as an actor through the process of directing him for three films, is how I should be with my directors now. When you work with different filmmakers at different stages of your career, all of them sort of bring out different facets of you as an actor.
Between acting, producing and directing, which one is the tougher job?
Direction is tougher for the sheer fact that there are so many more decisions to be made when you're directing a film. You are in effect leading a giant team that's functioning depending on the calls you make, and the shots you take. It’s more complex than the other jobs.
What lessons can Bollywood or other industries learn from Malayalam cinema?
One aspect that I think is worth adopting is how powerful writers are in the industry. Malayalam cinema holds a lot of value, respect and power for writers, which I don't see in a lot of other industries, I think there is a lesson to be learned there, to look back and contemplate.
Lastly, has work started on Lucifer Part 3?
Yes. Not saying anything more on that yet.