Prithviraj Sukumaran says he was ready to direct Rajinikanth: Hope it happens someday
Malayalam actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed his close relationship with Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s directorial debut. He revealed how he could not meet the script’s deadline but also looked forward to future collaborations.
Malayalam cinema star Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed that he was close to directing Tamil superstar Rajinikanth in a film but could not prepare the script within the required time frame. Sukumaran, who made his directorial debut with 2019’s Lucifer, shared that A Subaskaran of Lyca Productions had approached him for a project featuring Rajinikanth under the studio’s banner.
Speaking at the teaser launch of Lucifer’s upcoming sequel L2: Empuran on Sunday, January 26, Sukumaran said, “Subaskaran sir first allowed me to do a film for Lyca Productions, starring Rajinikanth sir. The opportunity was great for a new director like me and I tried my best to see if I could come up with something.”
“Subaskaran sir wanted the project to be completed within a particular deadline. Since I am a part-time director, I could not create a subject for the producer. So, it did not happen,” he told reporters.
Although the collaboration with Lyca Productions and Rajinikanth was not successful, Sukumaran said that it marked the beginning of a friendship with Subaskaran. She also revealed that the production house had later offered her a role in an “ambitious film”, which unfortunately did not pan out.
“I hope that happens someday. This is an ambitious film. I read the entire script and I really liked the film on paper. I immediately said yes to it,” said Sukumaran, who is known for his work in films like Ennu Ninte Moideen, Ayya, Ezra, Ayyappanam Koshiyum and Aadujeevitham.
Sukumaran said that Subaskaran eventually became curious about his next directorial project and expressed interest in being a part of L2: Empuran.
“Meanwhile, Subaskaran sir asked me, ‘Can’t you direct a film for us with Rajini?’ I said, ‘Unfortunately, I’m not able to do that.’ Then he asked me what I was doing next, and I told him, ‘I’m making a sequel to Lucifer, and it’s a big dream that I’ve been harboring since the release of Lucifer.’
“I gave them a rough outline of what the film was about. Subaskaran sir asked me, ‘How can I be a part of this dream of yours?’ I was not expecting that. I am grateful to him,” Sukumaran said.
The teaser launch of L2: Empuraan was a star-studded event, with leading Malayalam actors like Mammootty, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas and actor-director Basil Joseph in attendance.
This film is going to be released in theaters on March 27.
