Prithviraj Sukumaran- Wiki, Biography, Age, Family

Prithviraj Sukumaran is a household name across Kerala and the wider South Indian film industry. With his charming screen presence, dedication to his craft, and willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles, he has carved a unique place in the hearts of fans over an illustrious career spanning more than two decades. As we delve deeper, one realizes that Prithviraj is not just a talented actor but also an astute producer and director, expanding his horizons beyond acting.

I set out to research and chronicle the journey of this multifaceted star who started as a young boy enamored by the world of cinema to become one of the most popular and respected actors in South India today. Through this blog, I aim to provide his fans and film enthusiasts an in-depth look into his background, noteworthy career milestones, directorial ventures, and impact beyond cinema.

Early Life and Background

Prithviraj Sukumaran was born on October 16, 1982 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to actor-parents Sukumaran and Mallika Sukumaran. His family’s close association with cinema sparked his passion for acting from a young age. Prithviraj did his schooling from Sainik School Kazhakootam, Bhavans Vidya Mandir and St. Mary’s Residential School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from University of Tasmania, Australia. Prior to films, he briefly worked as an IT entrepreneur and model.

Venturing into Films

Prithviraj began his acting career in 2002 with the Malayalam film ‘Nandanam’, directed by Ranjith. The romantic drama marked an impressive debut for the young actor. His second release ‘Swapnakkoodu’ in 2003 was a big commercial success and established him as a bankable romantic hero. Over the next few years, films like ‘Classmates’, ‘Vaasthavam’, ‘Chocolate’ cemented his position as one of the top actors in Kerala.

Beyond Romantic Roles

While Prithviraj charmed in romantic roles initially, he soon displayed his versatility by taking on more complex characters in critically acclaimed films like ‘Anandabhadram’, ‘Aurvandil’, ‘Thirakkatha’. His portrayal of India’s first armed revolt leader against the British in ‘Veeram’ garnered acclaim. Action films like ‘Keerthi Chakra’, ‘Robinhood’, ‘Pokkiri Raja’ established him as an action hero.

Turning Producer

In 2012, Prithviraj turned producer by co-founding August Cinema with director Santosh Sivan and entrepreneur Shaji Nadesan. His first production ‘Celluloid’ (2013) about the life of Indian cinema’s father J.C. Daniel won rave reviews and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Through his production house, Prithviraj Productions, he has backed content-driven films like ‘Koode’, ‘Nine’, ‘Lucifer’.

Debut as Director

After producing for 7 years, Prithviraj donned the director’s hat with the 2019 action thriller ‘Lucifer’ starring Mohanlal. This directorial debut was a massive blockbuster, becoming the highest grossing Malayalam film then. His second directorial venture was the comedy-drama ‘Bro Daddy’ starring Mohanlal and himself. Both films showed his proficiency in blending entertainment and engaging storytelling.

Beyond Cinema

Beyond his prolific film career, Prithviraj has supported various philanthropic causes. He has worked to promote health and education for underprivileged children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated Rs 25 lakhs to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. His production company also contributed Rs 1 crore to Producers Association’s relief fund for daily wage workers of Malayalam film industry affected by the pandemic.

Personal Life

Prithviraj married BBC India journalist Supriya Menon in 2011. They have a daughter named Ally born in 2014. Supriya co-produced ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Nine’ under Prithviraj Productions. Prithviraj enjoys reading, traveling and listening to music in his free time.

In a Nutshell

The Road Ahead

With two decades of stellar acting work, and a successful stint in direction, production under his belt, Prithviraj Sukumaran remains one of the most exciting artists in Indian cinema today. His willingness to experiment, combined with an eye for good stories makes me eager to see what new avenues he will explore next. One thing is for certain – his passion, talent and versatility will ensure that audiences continue to be enthralled by his work for years to come.