In an interview with Galatta Plus, as part of the promotions for his upcoming directorial L2: Empuraan, Prithviraj Sukumaran shared insights into the dedication and work ethic of veteran actors Amitabh Bachchan, Mammootty and Mohanlal. The Aadujeevitham actor recalled a conversation with Abhishek Bachchan during the filming of Mani Ratnam's Raavan, where the latter recounted how his father Amitabh Bachchan meticulously prepared for a monologue in Baghban. “I remember we were talking about this film called Baghban, in which Bachchan sir delivers a long monologue in the climax. I told Abhishek that if any other actor had done it, it might have come across as overly dramatic and ineffective, but Bachchan sir just holds you. You want to cry with him,” he shared.
He further recalled Abhishek telling him, “If tomorrow he (Amitabh) has a scene where he has to deliver a long monologue in Hindi—and Bachchan sir is probably the best in Hindi diction—he still, the previous night, holds that piece of paper, walks around, and studies it.” Prithviraj expressed his amazement at how even an actor of Amitabh Bachchan’s stature practises his dialogues diligently and still experiences nervousness. He added that this level of effort is what makes Bachchan who he is.
He also mentioned his experiences working with veteran actors Mohanlal and Mammootty, observing their commitment to their craft. Recalling his time on the set of Pokiri Raja, he said, "Mammootty sir was delivering a line that was improvised just before shooting. He called me to his caravan and asked, ‘Do you think this is working?’ I was amazed.” He believes that this constant self-doubt and nervous energy contribute to an actor’s greatness. "I see Mohanlal sir, Mammootty sir—all have that nervous energy. I hope I'll get there someday, but I think I'm on the right path because I do get nervous."
Prithviraj also reflected on his experience directing Mohanlal, gaining a new perspective on the veteran actor's process. "When you're acting with him, you're in your own process as an actor. But when you're directing, watching an actor through the monitor or the viewfinder, you're also privy to their process. Mohanlal sir, I think, likes to disassociate, and it works out wonderfully well." However, he noted the challenges this presents for a filmmaker. "He’d give an earth-shatteringly good take, but if the focus was slightly off and I asked for another take, he’d do something completely different. If I asked him to repeat the first take, he'd say, 'What did I do?' I'd show him on the monitor, and even then, the next take would be different." Prithviraj admitted that this led to several out-of-focus shots in Lucifer, something cinematographers later pointed out. "I kept those shots because that was the best performance. Mohanlal sir disassociates, and that's his process."
He compared this to Vivek Oberoi's precise approach. "Vivek gives you 18 takes, and you can pick any one from it. Every single take is the same thing, even though he doesn't know the language. Different actors, different processes. As a director, you become part of their process. I think I'm a much better actor today because I’ve seen so many great actors work up close. I hope all that knowledge will now serve me as an actor," he added.
Prithviraj's third directorial venture L2: Empuraan, the second instalment in the Lucifer trilogy, is set to hit theatres worldwide on March 27.
