Prithviraj on how shooting Vilaayath Budha took him back to childhood vacations with dad Sukumaran

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s upcoming Malayalam movie Vilaayath Budha, is set in Kanthalloor and Marayoor regions in Kerala’s Idukki district. Prithviraj is the son of yesteryear actor Sukumaran, who also had properties in Kanthalloor. Shooting for Jayan Nambiar’s film was also a trip down memory lane for Prithviraj, the actor-filmmaker recounted during a recent interview with The Cue.

Prithviraj on last family trip with dad Sukumaran

Prithviraj stars as Double Mohanan, Vilaayath Budha, which will release in theatres on November 21, 2025. While recounting the shooting experience, Prithviraj said that he was much familiar with Marayoor and Kanthaloor, which he used to frequently visit with his family as his late father owned properties there.

“I have a lot of memories about Marayoor from my childhood. Actually, my father fell sick while returning from the Kanthaloor home to Ernakulam, was admitted to the hospital and passed away. Even our last family trip was to the house in Kanthaloor,” recounted the actor-filmmaker.

While remarking that not much has changed in Marayoor since his younger days, Prithviraj shared that even the hotel where he stayed for the shooting was owned by someone whom he knew from his childhood days.

Not just this, there is another emotional link to the film as it was originally conceived by director Sachy, who passed away in 2020. Jayan Nambiar, who was Sachy’s associate director for Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer Ayyappanum Koshiyum, took over the reins as the filmmaker. Senior actor Shammi Thilakan plays the other lead role of Bhaskaran Master in the film, which has faced many delays and setbacks.

Also read: ‘Only Sachy has left, I’m still here,’ Prithviraj told me: Vilayath Buddha director Jayan Nambiar on star’s unwavering support | Exclusive 

Meanwhile, Prithviraj was also in the news as he is part of Telugu filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s ambitious film, Varanasi, which stars Mahesh Babu in the lead. The first look and teaser were launched in a grand event in Hyderabad on November 21, 2025. Prithviraj plays Kumba in the much-anticipated film, set for a 2027 release.

Also read: Varanasi movie: Title reveal to Mahesh Babu’s Rudra and more about Rajamouli’s Globetrotter event | Highlights 

FAQs

Q. When will Vilaayath Budha release?

A. Vilayaath Budha will release in theatres on November 21, 2025, its lead actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has confirmed.

Q. Is Prithviraj Sukumaran in Varanasi movie?

A. Yes, Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumba in the Varanasi movie, helmed by SS Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.