Winning the esteemed Kerala State Award for Best Actor at the age of 24 is no small feat, and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s achievement speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and dedication. Since stepping into the spotlight at the young age of 19, Prithviraj has consistently mesmerized audiences with his remarkable performances and unwavering commitment to his craft. With each role, he has continued to evolve and impress, earning him recognition not only in Malayalam cinema but also on a pan-Indian scale. If I can interest you in a secret, as a kid I found it extremely difficult to pronounce his name and always identified him as the guy in “that movie or this song”. Let’s take a closer look at some of the finest Prithviraj Sukumaran movies that have made him the star he is today.

1. Aadujeevitham

In his latest venture Aadujeevitham, Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the challenging role of Najeeb, exploring the gut-wrenching tale of Gulf dreams gone awry. Adapted from Benyamin’s best-selling novel by the same name, the film delves into the harrowing journey of Najeeb, who sets out to Saudi in search of a better life but finds himself enslaved and forced to tend to a goat herd. Prithviraj’s portrayal of Najeeb’s suffering is nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing the essence of resilience and survival against all odds. The transformation he underwent to play the character’s journey is pivotal in conveying the character’s misery. If not for Prithviraj, I don’t know if Aadujeevitham would have worked.

2. Akale

In Akale, Prithviraj delivers a nuanced performance in this drama. Directed by Shyamaprasad, Akale tells the story of an Anglo-Indian family settled in Kerala. Prithviraj plays Neil D’Costa, an aspiring writer in this heartwarming movie. Being the eldest and the only son in the family, Niel feels the pressure of taking care of the family, especially his disabled sister Rose. Torn between his responsibilities and aspirations, Neil struggles to find a common ground, eventually leaving his family behind.  The movie beautifully explores the familial connections, Neil’s plight, and beauty of human bonds through its soothing narrative.

3. Anandabhadram

One of Malayalam cinema’s finest fantasy films, Anandabhadram sees Prithviraj as a fine young man who comes to his ancestral home to fulfill his mother’s last wish before dying. But he gets caught up in the mysteries of this ancestral home and joins the other villagers for what seems like an adventure. Filled with folklore references, martial arts, and black magic, Anandabhadram is a thoroughly engaging and captivating movie.

Also Read: 5 Fantasy Indian Movies You Will Love

4. Classmates

In this blockbuster hit, Prithviraj shines as one of the main characters. Classmates directed by Lal Jose, is a fun college drama based in the 90s. It revolves around a couple of classmates whose lives are impacted due to certain incidents even 15 years after they graduate. With politics, romance, and drama, Classmates remains a standout film in Prithviraj’s career, showcasing his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters.

5. Ayalum Njanum Thammil

Ayalum Njanum Thammil marks a milestone in Prithviraj’s career, as he delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Ravi Tharakan. Directed by Lal Jose, the film explores themes of redemption and self-discovery, with Prithviraj’s portrayal of the protagonist resonating deeply with audiences. His nuanced performance adds layers to the character, making it one of his most memorable roles to date.

6. Memories

In Memories, Prithviraj delivers a powerhouse performance as a grieving cop haunted by a personal tragedy. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, Memories is a compelling murder investigation thriller that won the audience’s hearts. It was a game changer for Prithviraj as it revived his career which was going through a dry spell. A brilliant cop trying to find a serial killer while also grappling with his tragedy is a challenging role to pull and Prithviraj being the fine actor that he is, pulled it off with much ease.

7. Mumbai Police

Before Mammootty played a closeted gay man in Kaathal – The Core, Prithviraj surprised us by playing a homosexual character in Mumbai Police, that too at a time when the subject was a hush-hush topic. Prithviraj plays police inspector Anthony Mosses who meets with an accident right when he was about to get a breakthrough in a case he was investigating. Having lost all his memory, he now has to travel back to find who he really was and solve the case he was working on. It was audacious of a mainstream actor like Prithviraj to take up a role as challenging as this one, showing his commitment to exploring his range as an actor.

8. Ennu Ninde Moideen

In this tragic love story inspired by real events, Prithviraj delivers a captivating performance as Moideen, a character torn between love and societal impositions. Moideen, a young man from a prominent Muslim family falls in love with Kanchana, a Hindu girl in the 1960s. Society back then was not ready to accept their love and they stand the test of time to prove their commitment to each other. Prithviraj brings charm and charisma to the character, making him instantly likable.

9. Koode

In Koode, Prithviraj delivers a heartwarming performance as Joshua, a man grappling with loneliness and the death of his baby sister. Directed by Anjali Menon, the film explores themes of family and redemption, with Prithviraj’s portrayal of the troubled protagonist leaving a lasting impression. His performance is nuanced and emotive, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and resilience. Joshua was sent to work abroad with his uncle while still very young to help the family and Prithviraj brings the pain of that helpless boy through his portrayal of Joshua.

10. Kuruthi

Kuruthi sees Prithviraj delivering a powerful performance in a film that explores the complexities of religion and humanity. Directed by Manu Warrier, the movie showcases Prithviraj’s versatility as an actor, as he navigates the moral dilemmas faced by his character with conviction and depth. His performance adds gravitas to the narrative, elevating it into a thought-provoking cinematic experience.