The Indian film industry is abuzz with anticipation as two mammoth projects, Mohanlal’s “L2: Empuraan” and Salman Khan’s “Sikandar,” are set to grace the silver screen around the same time. This naturally sparked discussions about a potential box office clash. However, Prithviraj Sukumaran, the director of “L2: Empuraan,” has firmly dismissed any notion of competition, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that should define the industry.
Sukumaran, known for his articulate and grounded approach, addressed the matter during a recent promotional event. He stated, “There is no competition. I understand why people are saying this, but from my perspective, there is no competition. We are making a film, they are making a film. We are all part of one big family, the Indian film industry. We should celebrate each other’s successes.”
His comments come at a time when industry watchers are speculating about the potential box office impact of these two highly anticipated films. “L2: Empuraan,” the sequel to the blockbuster “Lucifer,” is expected to be a pan-Indian release, capitalizing on Mohanlal’s massive fan following and the first film’s critical and commercial success. On the other hand, “Sikandar,” starring Salman Khan, is a high-octane action thriller, promising the superstar’s signature mass appeal.
Sukumaran’s perspective, however, deviates from the traditional narrative of rivalry. He highlighted the importance of focusing on creating good cinema rather than engaging in unnecessary comparisons. “The focus should be on making good films. If we make good films, the audience will watch them. There is enough space for everyone to thrive. We should be happy for each other’s success,” he added.
The director’s words resonate with the growing sentiment within the industry, where filmmakers and actors are increasingly advocating for collaboration and mutual respect. This shift in perspective is seen as a positive step towards fostering a healthier and more sustainable cinematic ecosystem.
“L2: Empuraan” has been generating immense excitement since its announcement. The film promises to delve deeper into the intricate world introduced in “Lucifer,” exploring the enigmatic character of Khureshi Ab’raam. Sukumaran’s directorial prowess, coupled with Mohanlal’s charismatic presence, has created a formidable buzz.
Similarly, “Sikandar,” featuring Salman Khan in his action avatar, is expected to draw massive crowds. Khan’s films are known for their larger-than-life action sequences and mass appeal, making them box office juggernauts.
Despite the potential for a box office showdown, Sukumaran’s emphasis on camaraderie is commendable. He believes that the success of one film contributes to the overall growth of the industry. “When one film does well, it benefits everyone. It brings more people to the theatres, which is good for all of us. We should celebrate each other’s victories,” he explained.
His stance also reflects a broader trend in the South Indian film industry, where filmmakers and actors often collaborate across language barriers. The success of films like “Baahubali,” “KGF,” and “RRR” has demonstrated the power of pan-Indian cinema, transcending regional boundaries and uniting audiences.
Sukumaran’s focus on the creative process and the importance of good storytelling is also noteworthy. He believes that the audience is intelligent and discerning, and they appreciate well-made films regardless of the competition.
“Ultimately, it is the quality of the film that matters. If we make good films, the audience will support us. We should focus on our work and let the audience decide,” he concluded.
His words serve as a refreshing reminder that the essence of cinema lies in its ability to entertain and inspire, rather than in fostering rivalries. By promoting a spirit of collaboration, Prithviraj Sukumaran is contributing to a more positive and enriching cinematic landscape. The audience can now anticipate two massive films with a sense of excitement, rather than a sense of impending conflict. His mature handling of the topic, and the focus on the industry as a whole, sets a great example
