Prithviraj Sukumaran Says He Missed Out On Directing Rajinikanth: 'I Couldn’t Come Up With Suitable Script In Time'

Prithviraj Sukumaran recently shared that he nearly had the chance to direct Tamil superstar Rajinikanth but was unable to meet the timeline required for the project.

Prithviraj Sukumaran recently shared that he nearly had the chance to direct Tamil superstar Rajinikanth but was unable to meet the timeline required for the project.

Source : Instagram/@therealprithvi

Malayalam cinema icon Prithviraj Sukumaran recently shared that he nearly had the chance to direct Tamil superstar Rajinikanth but was unable to meet the timeline required for the project. Sukumaran, known for his critically acclaimed directorial debut Lucifer in 2019, opened up about the missed opportunity during the teaser launch of L2: Empuraan, the much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer, on Sunday. 

When Prithviraj Sukumaran was approached to direct Rajinikanth film

Sukumaran revealed that A Subaskaran of Lyca Productions had approached him with the offer to direct a film starring Rajinikanth under the prestigious banner. 

“Subaskaran sir first reached out to me, offering the chance to helm a film for Lyca Productions with Rajinikanth sir as the lead. For a new director like me, it was a fantastic opportunity, and I genuinely tried my best to come up with something,” Sukumaran was quoted as saying by PTI.

However, the actor-director admitted that balancing his commitments as a part-time director proved challenging. “Subaskaran sir wanted the project to materialise within a specific timeline, but I couldn’t come up with a suitable script in time. Unfortunately, the project didn’t take off,” he told media.

Despite the setback, the experience paved the way for a friendship between Sukumaran and Subaskaran. The production house later approached him with an acting project for what Sukumaran described as an “ambitious film.” 

“I read the script, and I loved what it offered. I immediately said yes. Unfortunately, that project also didn’t materialise, but I hope it will someday,” he said. 

Subaskaran joins L2: Empuraan 

The collaboration between Sukumaran and Lyca Productions finally took shape when Subaskaran expressed interest in L2: Empuraan. The sequel to Lucifer has been a long-cherished dream for Sukumaran. 

“When Subaskaran sir asked me about my next project, I told him about the Lucifer sequel. He listened to my outline and said, ‘How can I be part of this dream of yours?’ I wasn’t expecting such enthusiasm, and I’m incredibly grateful for his support,” Sukumaran shared. 

L2: Empuraan teaser launch

The teaser launch for L2: Empuraan was an extravagant event, graced by some of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars, including Mammootty, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, and Basil Joseph. 

The film, which promises to delve deeper into the world of Lucifer, is set to hit theaters on March 27. With a star-studded cast and the creative vision of Sukumaran, L2: Empuraan is already generating significant buzz among fans and critics alike. 

As for his future collaborations, Sukumaran remains optimistic about working with Rajinikanth and Lyca Productions. “It’s a dream I hope to fulfill someday,” he said.