Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Prithviraj Sukumaran Says Writers Power Malayalam Cinema
Prithviraj Sukumaran spoke about how films are made in Malayalam cinema.
He said writers usually begin the process by bringing stories to actors.
If an actor likes the idea, they work together to choose a director.
They then find a production company to support the film.
This means the story comes before the star, studio, or money.
Sukumaran said this is what he likes most about Malayalam cinema.
He also said he often produces his own films and takes a share instead of a regular salary.
He hopes the writer-led way of making films does not disappear.
Prithviraj Sukumaran said writers remain the central creative force in Malayalam cinema.
He described a process where writers first approach actors with scripts or ideas.
Actors and writers then choose a director, followed by a production house.
Sukumaran said he produces many films he acts in through Prithviraj Productions.
He warned that Malayalam cinema may be at risk of losing its writer-led process.
- Who
- Actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, joined by Kareena Kapoor and Meghna Gulzar at the session.
- What
- Sukumaran explained his filmmaking approach and why he believes writers hold unusual power in Malayalam cinema.
- When
- At the 16th edition of Expresso; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- Taj Lands End in Mumbai.
- Why
- He was discussing how Malayalam films are developed and what distinguishes the industry from other Indian film industries.
Writer-Led Filmmaking
Signs of Industry Change
Who begins a film project?
Writer-Led Filmmaking
Sukumaran said Malayalam cinema works best when writers initiate projects by approaching actors with scripts or ideas.
Signs of Industry Change
Sukumaran warned that he sees signs of the traditional writer-led process being lost, though he did not identify a specific replacement system.
Who holds creative power?
Writer-Led Filmmaking
The writer, actor, and director collectively shape the project before a production house is selected, according to Sukumaran.
Signs of Industry Change
Sukumaran said the process could increasingly shift away from writers toward directors, production houses, managers, stars, or financial considerations.
- Speaker
- Prithviraj Sukumaran
- Event
- The 16th edition of Expresso
- Venue
- Taj Lands End, Mumbai
- Production banner
- Prithviraj Productions
- Compensation model
- Sukumaran said he often forgoes a conventional salary for a financial stake in films he acts in.
- Creative process
- A writer approaches an actor, who then helps select a director and production house.
- Concern raised
- Sukumaran said he sees signs that Malayalam cinema may be losing this process.