Prithviraj Reveals How SS Rajamouli Changed Him Forever
For decades, SS Rajamouli has built a reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most visionary filmmakers, but according to Prithviraj Sukumaran, witnessing that brilliance from behind the scenes has been nothing short of life changing. Speaking in a recent interview with Anupama Chopra on The Hollywood Reporter India YouTube channel, Prithviraj shared rare insights into his experience of working with Rajamouli during the Varanasi schedule of the director’s much awaited film starring Mahesh Babu. The Malayalam superstar admitted that every day on Rajamouli’s set challenged his understanding of filmmaking and pushed him to grow both as an actor and as a filmmaker.
Prithviraj did not hesitate when asked to describe the acclaimed director. He called Rajamouli the hardest working filmmaker he has ever encountered, explaining that despite creating some of India’s biggest cinematic blockbusters, the director approaches every project with the energy and hunger of someone making his very first film. According to Prithviraj, Rajamouli is almost always the first person to arrive on set, often after already completing rehearsals with his assistants and creative team. Long before the cameras begin rolling, every aspect of the day’s shoot has already been meticulously planned, leaving no room for complacency.
The actor also highlighted another quality that sets Rajamouli apart from many contemporary filmmakers his extraordinary collaboration with actors. While large scale productions often involve performers spending long hours waiting in vanity vans as technical departments prepare elaborate setups, Rajamouli chooses a completely different approach. Prithviraj explained that the director spends significant time with his actors, discussing every scene in detail and ensuring they fully understand the emotional tone he wants to achieve. Instead of merely giving instructions, Rajamouli often performs the scenes himself, acting them out with remarkable conviction to communicate the exact rhythm, intensity and emotion required. Prithviraj laughed while recalling that Rajamouli is actually an excellent actor in his own right, making it much easier for performers to grasp even the most complex sequences.
Perhaps the biggest lesson Prithviraj learned during the shoot was the importance of trusting Rajamouli’s larger vision. He admitted there were moments when some of the director’s decisions seemed unconventional or difficult to understand from an actor’s perspective. However, with each passing day, he realized that Rajamouli always viewed every scene within the broader narrative of the film rather than as an isolated performance. That ability to see the complete picture, Prithviraj said, is what separates extraordinary filmmakers from the rest. Once he stopped questioning individual choices and surrendered completely to Rajamouli’s creative process, he discovered a new level of confidence and artistic freedom.
Reflecting on the experience, Prithviraj described the Varanasi schedule as one of the most educational phases of his career. Beyond delivering a performance, he found himself observing every aspect of Rajamouli’s filmmaking process from rehearsals and staging to communication and execution. As someone who has also established himself as a successful filmmaker, Prithviraj admitted that simply watching Rajamouli at work became an invaluable learning experience. Every day on set reinforced the belief that greatness in cinema is achieved through discipline, preparation and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
The interview has quickly become a talking point among film enthusiasts, offering fans a rare glimpse into Rajamouli’s work ethic behind the camera. While audiences often celebrate the spectacular visuals and grand storytelling of his films, Prithviraj’s candid observations reveal the immense dedication, patience and meticulous craftsmanship that make those achievements possible. His admiration for Rajamouli was evident throughout the conversation, and his words serve as a reminder that even some of India’s biggest stars continue to find inspiration when working alongside a filmmaker whose passion for cinema remains as intense today as it was at the beginning of his remarkable journey.