Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has shared fascinating insights about his role in director S. S. Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus Varanasi, praising the legendary filmmaker’s unmatched work ethic and dedication on set. Speaking about the Prithviraj Varanasi project, the actor revealed how Rajamouli approaches the film with the hunger of a newcomer.
Working Like a Debut Director
Prithviraj, who plays the film’s main antagonist Kumbha, recently spoke about Rajamouli’s extraordinary commitment to every scene. According to the actor, the celebrated director treats each moment with fresh energy and passion.
“SS Rajamouli is working on Varanasi like a debut director who waited 30 years for an opportunity. If the first shot is scheduled for 7 AM, he arrives by 5 AM and rehearses the scene nearly a dozen times with his assistant directors,” Prithviraj revealed.
The actor also recalled a particular sequence in the film that left him amazed. During the narration stage, Rajamouli admitted that he had not yet figured out exactly how the scene would be executed. However, when the time came to shoot it, the filmmaker had worked out every detail perfectly.
“There was a sequence where I asked him how we were going to shoot it. He said he didn’t know during the narration, but by the time we reached the set, he had figured it out completely,” Prithviraj said.
Unprecedented Scale and Vision
Speaking about the film’s massive scale, the actor stated that even the word “big” is not enough to describe the project.
“When we are making films like Varanasi, ‘big’ is an understatement. I have never seen a scale like this before. Even Rajamouli sir says he has never witnessed something of this magnitude,” he added.
Prithviraj further mentioned that working on the film has been an enriching experience for him both professionally and personally.
“I am becoming richer as an actor, as a filmmaker, and as a human being while working on Varanasi. Even when I have suggestions, Rajamouli sir listens carefully and shares his perspective.”
A Complex Antagonist Role
In Varanasi, Prithviraj plays Kumbha, a physically restricted yet highly dangerous wheelchair-bound antagonist who takes on the character played by Mahesh Babu. The film is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects ever mounted in Indian cinema, and Prithviraj’s comments have only heightened expectations among movie lovers.
With Rajamouli’s unmatched vision, Mahesh Babu in the lead, and Prithviraj portraying a powerful villain, Varanasi is already being viewed as one of the most anticipated Indian films in production.
