In recent years, Prithviraj Sukumaran has emerged as the top choice for playing compelling negative roles in non-Malayalam films. While he has been a powerhouse performer in Malayalam cinema for over two decades, his ability to bring gravitas and intensity to antagonistic roles has made him the preferred choice for filmmakers across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu industries. From playing a sinister intelligence operative in Naam Shabana to the menacing warlord in Salaar, and now gearing up for SS Rajamouli’s untitled film with Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj has carved a niche as the quintessential antagonist who can match the hero in screen presence, depth, and sheer impact.
Early Forays into Negative Roles: Setting the Stage
While Prithviraj has played grey-shaded characters in Malayalam cinema, his entry into mainstream Indian cinema as an antagonist began with Naam Shabana (2017), where he portrayed Tony, a cunning and ruthless arms dealer. The film, a spin-off of Baby, saw him locking horns with Taapsee Pannu’s character, delivering a performance that was cold, calculated, and chilling. His ability to command the screen even in a relatively restrained role made an impression on Bollywood audiences.
Following this, he took on the lead antagonist role in the Tamil film Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014), where he played a competitive, complex stage artist opposite Siddharth. The film, though not an out-and-out villain story, showcased his ability to play morally ambiguous and intense roles, making him a compelling on-screen adversary.
Salaar: The Game Changer
Prithviraj’s biggest breakthrough in the pan-Indian villain space came with Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (2023), directed by Prashanth Neel. Playing the formidable Vardha Raja Mannar, he stood tall against Prabhas, bringing a layered and menacing performance that was equal parts ruthless and tragic. His portrayal won widespread acclaim, with fans appreciating his screen presence, dialogue delivery, and ability to bring depth to an otherwise archetypal antagonist role.
What made Salaar special was not just the grandeur of the film but the way Prithviraj’s character was designed. Unlike typical villains who are purely evil, Vardha Raja Mannar had emotional depth, internal conflicts, and a sense of regality that Prithviraj embodied effortlessly. His chemistry with Prabhas was one of the highlights of the film, leading to fans eagerly awaiting Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam, where his role is expected to be explored further.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan: Venturing Deeper into Bollywood
Following his success in Salaar, Prithviraj has once again taken up an antagonist role in the much-anticipated Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024), starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. Prithviraj played the primary antagonist, a character reportedly designed to be both physically and intellectually formidable and also provided the extra footing to the film in Southern markets. For his role he even tweaked his voice and had a very distinct look, the film failed to make a mark but Prithviraj was appreciated for his performance. .
SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu’s Untitled Epic
Perhaps the most exciting development in Prithviraj’s journey as the go-to antagonist is his reported role in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. This untitled project, rumored to be a jungle adventure with a grand, mythical scale, is expected to be Rajamouli’s next magnum opus following RRR.
Though details about Prithviraj’s character remain under wraps, if true, it would mark his first collaboration with the visionary director. Given Rajamouli’s track record of crafting unforgettable antagonists like Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati in Baahubali) and Scott Buxton (RRR), Prithviraj’s role is expected to be one of the most impactful villains in recent times.
Sarzameen
Prithviraj also has Karan Johr backed Sarzameen which was also supposed to be Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut film. The film also features Kajol in the lead- though at this point there is no confirmation about Prithviraj’s role in the film but many believe that it is a negative or grey.
Prithviraj’s greatest strength lies in his intensity—his undeniable charisma allows him to stand tall alongside top-tier stars, ensuring that his villainous roles never fade into the background. His versatility and depth as an actor further elevate his performances; he effortlessly brings layers of emotion, intelligence, and sophistication to every role. Constantly seeking to expand his horizons, Prithviraj is unafraid to experiment, embracing complex characters, including villains, anti-heroes, and morally grey figures—something many actors tend to shy away from. His command over multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, adds to his appeal, allowing him to deliver dialogues with authenticity and making him a natural choice for multilingual films.
Future Prospects: Will He Become the Next Pan-Indian Super Villain?
With the growing trend of pan-Indian cinema, where actors transcend language barriers to become national figures, Prithviraj is well on his way to becoming the country’s most sought-after villain.Prithviraj Sukumaran’s transition from a leading man in Malayalam cinema to a pan-Indian antagonist has been nothing short of phenomenal. Whether in Bollywood, Tamil, or Telugu cinema, his ability to breathe life into villainous characters has made him the most sought-after antagonist of this generation. With every new project, he raises the bar, proving that villains can be just as compelling as heroes, if not more.