Happy Birthday Prithviraj Sukumaran: 8 memorable performances of the ever-ambitious actor
2019 is a special year for actor Prithviraj. Not only did he make a successful directorial debut with Lucifer but also launched his independent production house Prithviraj Productions.
On the occasion of his 37th birthday, we look at eight best performances of his career.
1) Vaasthavam - Prithviraj played a prideful, idealistic, and volatile young man who becomes increasingly corrupt as he climbs the upper echelons of the political world in this M Padmakumar film.
Prithviraj's powerful performance in Vaasthavam fetched him his first Kerala State Film Award. Babu Janardanan's script contains themes like love, loyalty, betrayal, murder, and redemption.
2) Ayaalum Njaanum Thammil - Prithviraj won his second Kerala State Film Award for this Lal Jose directorial scripted by Bobby-Sanjay (of Uyare fame), and deservedly so.
Prithviraj's transformation from a naive medical student to a reserved middle-aged doctor caught in a medical negligence case in AYT is undoubtedly one of his most memorable performances.
Also, Prithviraj's remarkably strong chemistry with Prathap Pothen (as his mentor) works wonders for Ayaalum Njaanum Thammil
3) Mumbai Police - Prithviraj's second collaboration with writers Bobby-Sanjay is one of the best psychological thrillers in Malayalam cinema.
Prithviraj played a police officer whose investigation of a murder is affected by his memory loss. The final twist gives the film a completely new dimension.
Mumbai Police gave Prithviraj his boldest role, one that many male superstars wouldn't normally dare touch.
4) Anarkali- Screenwriter Sachy's directorial debut, Anarkali, as the title suggests, delivers an experience equivalent of a well-written love story minus the melodrama and song-and-dance overdose.
Anarkali proves, once again, why Prithviraj is the right leading man for romantic dramas.
Kabir Bedi makes an imposing appearance as the heroine's father standing in the way of the lead couple's long-lasting romance. We can't wait to see the second Prithviraj-Sachy film Ayyappanum Koshiyum
5) Ennu Ninte Moideen - Prithviraj and Parvathy are at the top of their game in this stunningly shot period film, based on a real-life love story.
As the rebellious, strong-willed and charismatic Moideen, Prithviraj's characterisation evoked the romantic heroes essayed by yesteryear legends Prem Nazir, Madhu and Sathyan.
6) Memories - How does one solve a multiple murder case when the lure of the bottle is as strong as the urge to stop a faceless killer?
Directed by Jeethu Joseph, Memories is a riveting and emotionally-charged serial killer drama, starring Prithviraj as an investigator desperately trying to get over the loss of his family.
7) Amar Akbar Anthony - Comedian-turned-director Nadirshah's debut feature gave Prithviraj a golden opportunity to flex his comedic muscles.
Prithviraj, brother tIndrajith Sukumaran, and Jayasurya play the titular Amar, Akbar, and Anthony, whose plans to vacation in Pattaya is thwarted by a disturbing incident in their neighbourhood.
8) Koode - As the introverted and vulnerable Joshua, Prithviraj delivered a subtly complex and well-rounded performance
Directed by Anjali Menon, Koode is among the few films in Prithviraj's filmography where the actor, aided by superb writing, looked completely at ease, with nary a false note in his performance.
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