Prithviraj Sukumaran on Salaar vs Dunki

Prithviraj Sukumaran on Salaar vs Dunki clash. People are surprised when the makers of Prabhas' Salaar announced their release date signalling their clash with Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki. Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran opens up about his recent birthday celebration, the Ladakh shoot for his directorial project L2, and the intriguing clash between his film Salaar: Part 1 and Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki.

Connecting with us via video call from the picturesque landscapes of Ladakh, where he is actively involved in the shooting of L2, Prithviraj Sukumaran reflects on his birthday and his journey of recovery. Just after bouncing back from an accident that took a toll on his knee, he decided to mark his birthday on the set. He joyfully shares, "This year, I told my wife that the greatest gift I could bestow upon myself is getting back on set and doing what I love. It's been a while since I've worked on my birthday," he says with a warm smile.

This year promises to be quite an exciting one for him. His much-anticipated film, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, is set to hit the screens on December 22, coinciding with Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki. The collision of these two cinematic giants has been a hot topic of discussion in recent weeks. Speaking about it for the first time, Sukumaran shares exclusively, "I'm not entirely sure about the promotional plans; we'll have more details by November from the makers. I'm in contact with Prashanth Neel, the director. But the mere fact that our film is releasing alongside a project by Hirani sir and Shah Rukh sir – well, as a film enthusiast, I find that truly exciting! The prospect of having two colossal films, by two eminent filmmakers, featuring two major stars, each distinct in every conceivable aspect, be it the storyline or the narrative, during the holiday season is enthralling."

As a filmmaker himself, he passionately adds that such moments should be celebrated. Turning 41 today, he expresses, "I can assure you that I'll be watching both films with great anticipation. When was the last time we experienced this, where two such monumental films were released during the holiday season? There's no better year than 2023 to revel in the glory of Indian cinema like this."

While Salaar is gearing up for its grand release, Sukumaran's primary focus is on L2. He enthusiastically shares that actor Mohanlal is set to join the shoot soon, and his excitement is palpable. "I had an accident while filming an action sequence for one of my projects, and after undergoing knee surgery, I had to rest for three months. Given my workaholic nature, I was eager to get back to it. With a large crew on set and Mohanlal's imminent arrival, it's going to be quite the celebration," he concludes with a hint of anticipation.