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Prithviraj Sukumaran explains why he wanted Dijo Jose Antony’s Jana Gana Mana to release only in theatres

The actor, who is also co-producing the socio-political thriller, said that the movie was never intended for a direct-to-OTT release

Prithviraj Sukumaran explains why he wanted Dijo Jose Antony’s Jana Gana Mana to release only in theatres
Prithviraj and Dijo Jose Antony on the sets of Jana Gana Mana

Last Updated: 07.07 AM, Mar 31, 2022

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Director Dijo Jose Antony’s upcoming movie Jana Gana Mana is special for Prithviraj Sukumaran in many ways. While the actor was part of Cold Case, Kuruthi, Bhramam and Bro Daddy, Jana Gana Mana will be his first theatrical release since the pandemic.

In a promotional event of the film held in Kochi, Prithviraj talked about why the film was always intended to release in theatres. The actor said that its scriptwriter Sharis Mohammed and Dijo had narrated the script to him in August 2020.

“It was the first narration I heard after I had returned from Aadujeevitham’s shoot. We began its shoot in October 2020 and this was also the first movie that I shot for post pandemic. When the shoot began, we decided that even if we release other films on direct streaming services, we will release Jana Gana Mana only in theatres, no matter how long we had to wait. That’s also the reason for the delay of the movie,” he said.

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The film, which went on floors in September 2020, had wrapped up its filming only in January 2022. However, Prithviraj said that the situation is now favourable for a theatrical release with the government permitting 100% occupancy in cinema halls and the audiences too willing to come to theatres.

The actor, who is also co-producing the film with Listin Stephen, said, “Jana Gana Mana is the biggest film we have produced – not just in terms of its scale and budget, but because of its subject. It’s an out-and-out commercial entertainer and more than that, it will make the audience contemplate and ask questions. As a producer, I am proud to back the film.”

Jana Gana Mana also stars Suraj Venjaramoodu, Mamta Mohandas, Shari, Vincy Aloshius and Dhruvan in pivotal roles. Prithviraj said as an actor too, he is satisfied with his character in the movie. “I can say with 100% confidence that I haven’t played such a character before. I am completely happy with the film,” he concluded. The movie is set to hit theatres on April 28.

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