‘Didn’t want to awaken the Kumbha within you’: SS Rajamouli’s birthday wish for Prithviraj Sukumaran teases his ‘Varanasi’ character. Prabhas sends ‘lots of love and good times’ | Telugu Movie News

Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran received a special birthday wish from filmmaker SS Rajamouli on October 16, 2026. The ‘Varanasi’ director shared a photograph with the actor and referenced his character, Kumbha, in a message that offered a glimpse into the larger-than-life role. Prabhas, who worked with Prithviraj in ‘Salaar’, also extended his wishes, while the actor’s wife, Supriya Menon, shared a heartfelt birthday note.

SS Rajamouli’s birthday wish for Prithviraj Sukumaran references ‘Varanasi’ character Kumbha

SS Rajamouli marked Prithviraj Sukumaran’s birthday with a special message on social media, drawing attention to the Malayalam actor’s role in their upcoming film, ‘Varanasi’.The filmmaker shared a photograph with Prithviraj on X and referred to the actor’s character, Kumbha, in his birthday greeting.“Happy birthday Prithvi. Didn’t want to awaken the Kumbha within you today. The Kumbha who is destined to make his mark on the world,” Rajamouli wrote.Prithviraj responded to the director’s message, writing, “Thank you Sir! Cannot wait for the world to witness your madness!”Mahesh Babu also wished Prithviraj Sukumar on X and wrote, “Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Kumbha…. have a wonderful one… lots of love n happiness always… !!!”

Prabhas wishes his ‘Salaar’ co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran

Prabhas also wished Prithviraj on his birthday. The actors previously shared the screen in Prashanth Neel’s action film ‘Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire’, in which Prithviraj played Varadha, a close friend of Prabhas’ character, Deva.Taking to his Instagram Stories, Prabhas shared a picture of the actor and wrote, “Happy Birthday, Prithviraj sir! Wishing you lots of love and good times always.”

Prithviraj’s wife, Supriya Menon, also shared a birthday message alongside a photograph of the actor.“Happy Birthday to our wonderful Daada! Wishing you the best of health & happiness always! We love you to the moon and back!” she wrote.

Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumbha in SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’

Prithviraj is set to play Kumbha, the principal antagonist, in Rajamouli’s upcoming film ‘Varanasi’. The project brings the actor together with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas in a large-scale action-adventure. Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, while Priyanka portrays Mandakini. The film also marks Priyanka’s much-anticipated return to Indian cinema.Although the makers have kept several plot details under wraps, the film is expected to span multiple locations, time periods and settings. Rajamouli has described a narrative that travels from Varanasi to places including Antarctica, Africa and Ancient Rome before returning to its starting point. The scale of the story and the combination of actors have made ‘Varanasi’ one of the most closely watched upcoming projects. Rajamouli’s birthday message has now placed fresh attention on Prithviraj’s character, Kumbha, and the role he will play in the film’s central conflict.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s upcoming projects

Prithviraj continues to balance his work across Malayalam cinema and other Indian film industries. His role in ‘Varanasi’ brings him into collaboration with Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, while his performance as Varadha in ‘Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire’ remains a notable part of his filmography.With Rajamouli’s birthday message hinting at Kumbha’s significance, anticipation continues to build around the actor’s transformation for the upcoming action-adventure. The film’s further details are awaited as the team prepares to bring its ambitious story to the screen.