Prithviraj Sukumaran reveals how Varanasi director SS Rajamouli encourages actors to share ideas

Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays Kumbha in ‘Varanasi’. Pics/Instagram, Facebook

Being part of Varanasi has given Prithviraj Sukumaran the chance to experience filmmaking at an extraordinary scale. Through the multiple schedules of the action adventure drama, what has stayed with him is filmmaker SS Rajamouli's instinct to keep his actors at the heart of the process. The actor shared that the director, who is building a unique cinematic world with his story, encourages an exchange of ideas before every scene is filmed.

Priyanka Chopra plays Mandakini and Mahesh Babu is Rudhra in the adventure drama

"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," said Sukumaran, who plays the antagonist Kumbha to Mahesh Babu's Rudhra and Priyanka Chopra's Mandakini in the adventure drama that went on floors in Hyderabad in 2025.

Such conversations, according to the actor, show how much thought goes into even the smallest performance choices in an ambitious project like Varanasi. "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.

SS Rajamouli

For Sukumaran, who has helmed a few films, including L2: Empuraan (2025), the experience has offered an opportunity to surrender to another director's instincts. "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."

April 7, 2027
When ‘Varanasi' is slated to release in theatres.