Prithviraj Sukumaran reveals SS Rajamouli seeks actors’ thoughts before scenes on ‘Varanasi’ sets: ‘There is a healthy exchange of ideas’ | Telugu Movie News

Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran is set to play the antagonist Kumbha in SS Rajamouli’s much-awaited globetrotting action adventure ‘Varanasi’, which stars Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles. The actor recently opened up about his experience of working with the acclaimed filmmaker and offered a glimpse into Rajamouli’s approach to directing actors.According to Mid-day, Prithviraj revealed that the ‘Baahubali’ and ‘RRR’ director encourages actors to share their thoughts before filming a scene. Rather than simply instructing performers on how he wants a scene to be played, Rajamouli first seeks their perspective before offering his own interpretation.

Prithviraj Sukumaran on working with SS Rajamouli

Speaking about his experience on the sets of ‘Varanasi’, Prithviraj said Rajamouli begins by explaining the scene and asking the actor how he would approach it.“Rajamouli sir will say, ‘This is the scene. How do you want to do this?’ He will first ask me my thoughts, and then give his perspective,” he said.The actor described this process as a collaborative one, saying that it allows for an open exchange between the filmmaker and his performers. According to Prithviraj, Rajamouli remains clear about his creative vision while also being genuinely interested in understanding an actor’s interpretation.

SS Rajamouli encourages a ‘healthy exchange of ideas’

Prithviraj said the filmmaker’s approach creates an environment where actors can contribute their own ideas without losing sight of the director’s overall vision.“There is a healthy exchange of ideas. He is very clear about what he wants from the scene, but at the same time, he is interested in what the actor is thinking,” he added.For Prithviraj, this has offered a closer look at the filmmaking process of one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated directors, particularly on a project as ambitious in scale as ‘Varanasi’.

Prithviraj Sukumaran on trusting the director’s vision

While actors may bring their own interpretations to a scene, Prithviraj believes the filmmaker ultimately has to be trusted to shape the larger story.“You have to be willing to surrender to the director’s vision. You can have your ideas and point of view, but eventually you have to trust the person who is making the film,” he said.

About SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’

‘Varanasi’ features Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha. The action-adventure time-travel drama went on floors in Hyderabad in 2025 and is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 7, 2027. With Rajamouli at the helm and Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran leading the cast, ‘Varanasi’ is among the most anticipated Indian films currently in production.