Today, October 16, marks the birthday of one of Malayalam cinema’s brightest stars, Prithviraj Sukumaran, as he turns 42. Over the past two decades, Prithviraj has carved out a distinguished career in Indian cinema, not just as an actor but also as a director. His film debut in 2002 with Nandanam, a romance drama directed by Ranjith Balakrishnan, introduced him to audiences as a promising new talent.

He has since grown into one of the most respected and versatile actors, earning recognition across various industries. His directorial debut with Lucifer in 2019, starring Mohanlal, became the highest-grossing Malayalam film at the time. Beyond Malayalam cinema, Bollywood fans remember him for his charming role alongside Rani Mukerji in Aiyyaa.

With several acclaimed films in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu to his credit and many prestigious state awards, his career has been nothing short of remarkable. Let’s take a look at some of the films that define his legacy, his best songs and the exciting upcoming projects fans can anticipate.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Top Movies

Here are some of Prithviraj’s finest films that highlight his versatility and range as an actor.

Classmates (2006)

A hallmark of Malayalam cinema, Classmates is a memorable coming-of-age drama. Directed by Lal Jose, the film follows a group of college friends reuniting years later, unravelling past secrets and unresolved issues. Prithviraj’s portrayal of Sukumaran was pivotal in shaping the film’s emotional arc. The movie received widespread acclaim and is considered a cult classic in Malayalam cinema, with the Kerala State Film Awards recognising it for Best Story and Best Popular Film.

Memories (2013)

Jeethu Joseph’s crime thriller Memories showcases Prithviraj in the role of Sam Alex, a police officer battling personal demons while solving high-profile cases. The movie is known for its gripping narrative, and Prithviraj’s performance as the troubled cop was widely praised. The psychological complexity of his character made this film a standout in his career.

Celluloid (2013)

Prithviraj portrayed J.C. Daniel, the father of Malayalam cinema, in this biographical film directed by Kamal. Celluloid tells the story of Daniel’s struggles to create the first Malayalam movie, Vigathakumaran, and the societal challenges he faced. Prithviraj’s performance captured the passion and perseverance of Daniel, earning critical acclaim and awards, including recognition at the National Film Awards.

Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015)

A biographical romantic drama, Ennu Ninte Moideen, directed by R.S. Vimal, is based on the true love story of B.P. Moideen and Kanchanamala. Prithviraj’s portrayal of Moideen struck a deep chord with audiences, as the film delicately explored themes of love, sacrifice, and tragedy. His powerful performance made this one of his most memorable films, earning both commercial success and critical praise.

Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (2023)

Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, directed by Prashanth Neel, was one of the highest-grossing action thrillers of 2023. Prithviraj stars alongside Prabhas in this film, marking one of his biggest ventures outside Malayalam cinema. The movie, packed with intense action sequences and a gripping storyline, has created waves across the Indian film industry. Fans are eager to see Prithviraj in a pivotal role in this blockbuster’s sequel.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Top Songs

Prithviraj’s films are also known for their memorable soundtracks. Here are five of the best songs from his career:

Thirayum Theeravum – Memories (2013)

This haunting melody, sung by Vijay Yesudas, reflects the deep emotional turmoil of Prithviraj’s character in Memories. The song beautifully captures the essence of the movie, with its melancholic tone resonating with the audience. It remains one of the most loved tracks from the film.

Kaana Kuyile – Bro Daddy (2022)

Kaana Kuyile is a melodious track from the Malayalam movie Bro Daddy, featuring renowned actors Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Meena. This song, sung by Evugin and Anne Amie, boasts music by Deepak Dev. The lyrics of Kaana Kuyile is penned by Vinayak Sasikumar.

Aga Bai – Aiyyaa (2012)

Aga Bai, composed by Amit Trivedi and performed by Shalmali Kholgade and Monali Thakur. The song blends a folk vibe with a modern house track, making it memorable with its catchy chorus and bold vocals.

Kalakkatha – Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020)

It is both sung and written by Nanjiyamma. This track stood out from the many songs her troupe performed using their own percussion instruments. Nanjiyamma gained widespread attention after delivering this playback performance in the 2020 Malayalam film Ayyappanum Koshiyum.

Istighfar – Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life (2024)

The song, composed, produced, and arranged by AR Rahman, is an emotional and spiritual duet sung by Raja Hasan and Faiz Mustafa. The lyrics, also written by AR Rahman, evoke a heartfelt plea to the Almighty, reflecting the longing for one’s homeland and spiritual connection.

Upcoming Projects

Prithviraj has a promising lineup of upcoming projects, showcasing his versatility across various genres.

1. Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryanga ParvamFollowing the highly celebrated and mega-hit Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, Prithviraj will reprise his role in the second part of this Telugu action thriller. Directed by Prashanth Neel, Salaar: Part 2 is expected to take the storyline to new heights, with fans eagerly awaiting his performance alongside Prabhas.
2. NobodyNobody is a Malayalam action thriller directed by Nissam Basheer, with Prithviraj in the lead role. Produced by his wife, Supriya Menon, under the banner of Prithviraj Productions, the film promises an engaging plot with a thrilling blend of action and drama. The film is slated for release in 2025.
3. Kunjali MarakkarIn this historical epic, Prithviraj will share screen space with Mammootty, who plays the title role of Kunjali Marakkar, the legendary naval chief of the Zamorin. The film will explore the life of the 16th-century warrior and his battles against the Portuguese, with Prithviraj playing a pivotal role. Kunjali Marakkar is expected to be released in 2024.
4. AntichristDirected by Lijo Jose, Antichrist is a high-budget horror thriller that will see Prithviraj, Fahadh Faasil and Indrajith in lead roles. The story revolves around the biblical figure of the Anti-Christ and explores themes of the apocalypse. The film’s unique premise has generated much excitement among fans and critics alike.