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Prithviraj Sukumaran forays into production with 9

The Southern superstar flexes his muscles to take on a new challenging role with a sci-fi film, starring him in the lead.

Prithviraj Sukumaran has always been known for pushing the envelope in Malayalam cinema by experimenting with different genres. Diverse movies such as Celluloid, Mumbai Police, City of God, Koode, Ennu Ninte Moideen, Indian Rupee, Ayalum Njanum Thammil and Sapthamashree Thaskaraha are proof of his acting oeuvre. It is, therefore, only befitting that when he makes a foray into production, the audience can expect uncharted territory. He was earlier part of a production venture called August Cinema, in partnership with Arya, Santhosh Shivan and Shaji Nadesan.

9, being bankrolled by Prithviraj and his wife Supriya Menon under the banner SPE Films India, dabbles in the sci-fi genre. It stars Prithviraj, Prakash Raj, Wamiqa Gabbi and Mamta Mohandas in lead roles.

The movie, which focuses on a story that happens over the span of nine days against the backdrop of a global event, will make its way to UAE theatres this weekend. Excerpts from an interview:

How many scripts did you go through before zeroing in on 9 as your first production?

I listened to 9 as an actor and didn't have plans to produce the movie. But I had already decided to branch out as an independent producer and was looking for an interesting subject. That's when 9 came along and I discussed it with Supriya. 9 as a film endorses all that I believe in - about pushing the envelope, trying something different and giving the viewer an experience he/she might not have had before. At that point, Sony Pictures wasn't in the equation. CEO Vivek Krishna met me in Mumbai and they were looking to foray into regional cinema with partnership productions. They were very excited about 9 and flew in the crew for a detailed narration. I couldn't have hoped for a better production partner. They had complete conviction in our vision and how it was to be executed. I am very proud that an international studio like Sony is starting its journey into regional cinema through Malayalam. That's a big endorsement for our industry and its content.

9 is in the sci-fi territory: a genre Malayali audiences are not so familiar with. What made you choose this when you could have played it safe by going in for a formulaic film?

I chose 9, which is in the sci-fi territory, for my debut production venture because I want to bring something new to our audience. I feel that people would be disappointed if I did a formulaic film for my production debut. It's got everything to keep you hooked from beginning to end. 9 is a very engaging flick with elements of suspense and thrill, but it also provides you with a very new viewing experience in terms of its genre, language, visuals and locations. It's nothing like you've seen in Malayalam before. The movie was shot in multiple locations in Manali, Spiti Valley, Delhi, Kochi and Wagamon.

Currently, slice-of-life movies dealing with issues faced by the common man are doing well at the box office. Do you believe the Malayali audience is ready for a new genre?

I think it all depends on how well you manage to communicate your film. Regardless of what genre it is, whether it is familiar territory or not, cinema ultimately is about clear communication. If you manage to communicate your story, plot and characters well and if the movie is engaging and entertaining, I don't see a reason why it shouldn't work.

Your wife Supriya is listed as a producer for 9. What has her input been? Do you both share the same cinematic vision when it comes to the movies you enjoy on screen?

To be frank, there has been no input from my end. I have only signed the occasional cheques and taken a few creative calls. All the field work has been done by Supriya. Full credit to her for toiling as a producer. We both usually like and dislike the same kind of films since we share a common aesthetics in cinema.

You are teaming up with Prakash Raj again. As an actor, what do you admire most about him?

I admire the fact that he is a very skilled actor. He is a legend in his own right. I share a great equation with him in front of the camera. As actors, I have always felt Prakash and I tick well on screen. Even off screen, our relationship goes back several years. He is like an elder brother to me. He plays an astrophysicist and Nobel laureate called Dr Inayat Khan in 9. I play his prodigy, who is also a well-known, young astrophysicist and used to assist him during my research days.

How was it to team up with Mamta Mohandas again and the experience of working with Wamiqa Gabbi and Little Alok who plays your son?

Mamta is a great actor and a friend. We have done three films together. I have a lot of respect for Mamta for how she handled whatever she had to go through in life. It was very important for us that someone who has an instant likability does the role. The fact that people like seeing Mamta and me together on screen works to the film's advantage. Wamiqa is another promising, talented young actor. Although she is not a Malayali, the way she enunciates and understands the subtleties of the language is really commendable. Her histrionic capabilities are also good. Alok is a very matured actor for his age. He plays a pivotal character in the film. A lot of the movie rides on him.

From actor to producer to director, you have a 360-degree approach to cinema now. What's the best thing about being an actor and the scariest part of being a filmmaker in today's time?

The best part of being an actor today is the entire plethora of subjects that come to you. Ten years ago, this was not the case. Today, you can have a 9, a Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum and a Koode. The variety of subjects that an actor can choose from today is truly delightful. What is worrying about cinema as a filmmaker is how we are all increasingly subject to the perils of social media. That starts from piracy to a film being dissected on social media. Opinions voiced by an intangible body in social media are also scary. Sometimes, you wish there was an avenue where people would just go see the film and take a call for themselves.

Which movies of yours are releasing this year?

My directorial venture titled Lucifer will be releasing by the end of March. I am also acting in actor Kalabhavan Shajon's directorial debut, titled Brother's Day. There is also my next production venture titled Driving Licence, written by Sachy and directed by Jean Paul. It will star Suraj Venjaramoodu and me in the lead roles.

There are huge expectations riding on Lucifer. Are you feeling any kind of pressure ahead of your directorial debut?

No, rather I think I should be having no pressure at all since I am a debutant. If it works well, great, if it doesn't, then I should not direct again.

Do you believe the Malayalam film industry is seeing a renaissance today in terms of unique scripts and new directors?

Absolutely. I think we are going through a period where the industry is delivering very good content consistently. And that's very important. An industry goes through a purple patch only with regards to content. Whenever content dries up, you start making films that do not live up to your standards. In terms of content creation, the Malayalam film industry is going through a great phase. I just hope this phase lasts for a long time.

Malayalam cinema is blessed to have such a talented crop of young actors. Among your contemporaries, is there someone you admire in terms of their body of work?

Everyone is very talented in their own right and have great films to their credit. It would be unjust on my part to pick one. They are all consistently doing movies because they are good. I hope they keep up this drive and passion. If we, the batch of young actors, consistently keep doing great cinema, the future of Malayalam films should be in good stead.

The new age audience is hooked onto streaming services such as Netflix. Have you ever contemplated making original content for such a streaming service like Amazon Prime or Netflix?

I would love to. I was offered a very interesting OTT series. Unfortunately, I won't be able to do it since the dates clash with my schedule for Aadu Jeevitham. That is going to be a big part of future entertainment. OTT content has really taken off in the past year. I know there are some really big plans in place over the next couple of years. I just hope they can find an avenue where they can monetise regional content more. Hopefully, we should get there.