Exclusive | Prithviraj Sukumaran on Upcoming Projects: 'Odiyan: The Age of Illusion', 'Khalifa', 'Daayra' and a Possible 'L3'

Actor, director and producer Prithviraj Sukumaran currently has 20 projects in the works, with one of the biggest being Odiyan: The Age of Illusion, co-produced by his production house Prithviraj Productions and Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. The film is a landmark project as it marks Dharma Productions' entry into Malayalam cinema.

In a conversation with THR India, the actor-producer talked about helping Dharma Productions foray into Malayalam cinema, besides sharing some updates on his other ongoing ventures.

Dharma Productions Enters Malayalam Cinema

Discussing Odiyan: The Age of Illusion, Prithviraj revealed that when Rahul Sadasivan, the film’s director, brought the film to him, the actor’s first condition was that he would do it only if he could produce it. Sadasivan agreed, but explained that there was an existing commitment with Dharma. "If it were anyone else, I might have bullied Rahul into giving the film just to me," Prithviraj said with a laugh. "But I share such a great relationship with Karan. I said, 'okay, just because it is Dharma, go to Dharma, pitch the project. If there is any problem, anything at all, we will do it.'"

Two days later, he received a call from Karan Johar, who said, “What do you mean any problem at all? We are doing it!" That, he explained, is how the collaboration came to be.

Prithviraj added how he had told Johar for a long time that he would be the one to bring him to Malayalam cinema. "I'm not saying they would not have come to Malayalam cinema if not for Odiyan: The Age of Illusion, but I'm so happy and privileged that it's going to happen through a film of mine."

He added that he appreciates how Dharma Productions looks at cinema and actors, drawing on his experience of having worked with them on prior projects.

Prithviraj Welcomes Others To Malayalam Industry

He also addressed other production houses who are currently looking to enter into Malayalam cinema, one of the most vital regional industries in India, remarking jokingly, "I hope all of you come to Malayalam cinema, change nothing and learn a lot of things."

His many, many projects lined up

With a slew of projects coming up, the actor’s latest film, I, Nobody, releases on July 9. Following that comes Khalifa, releasing this August, which the actor said he wrapped just days before in Dubai. The film, inspired by the story of a real person, stars Prithviraj as a character called Amir Ali, and is described by the actor as the “perfect commercial template.” The film also has a second chapter planned that focuses on the character Ali’s grandfather, to be played by Mohanlal.

Come September releases Daayra, directed by Meghna Gulzar and starring Kareena Kapoor Khan alongside Prithviraj. He expressed that Gulzar was a filmmaker he was wishing to work with for a while

"The one filmmaker who I've really been following in terms of the craft and the stories she chooses to say and the way she says it is Meghna Gulzar." He described the film as one that asks the audience disturbing questions without answering them, and said it takes an objective position on justice and its delivery within the system. "It is incredible how Meghna, from point A to B, has never veered into either side of that line."

Speaking about a possible third chapter in his blockbuster franchise Lucifer, Prithviraj explained that while he would love for fans to see the story progress, the biggest challenge he faces currently is aligning lead actor Mohanlal, writer Murali Gopy and Prithviraj’s own schedules. The franchise’s second chapter, L2: Empuraan, ended with a glimpse into the plot of the third film, hinting that the story may continue.

Watch our full interview with the actor on The Hollywood Reporter India's YouTube channel