Prithviraj on Ibrahim Ali Khan facing flak: Even SRK gets criticised

India Today

2 days ago

Prithviraj Sukumaran has high praise for co-star Ibrahim Ali Khan, who stars alongside him in the upcoming film 'Sarzameen'. Speaking exclusively to India Today, the actor called Ibrahim 'one of the most well-prepared debutants' he has ever worked with, while also offering a grounded perspective on the criticism the young actor has faced."Full credit to [director] Kayoze Irani for that because I think Ibrahim is easily one of the most well-prepared debutants that I've worked with," Prithviraj told India Today. "Because day one, when we were shooting a scene, I realised that the boy already has a very clear idea about the entire arc of the character. And then I spoke to Kayoze and I realised that they worked on this for a year plus."advertisementHe continued, 'There wasn't a single moment during the entire shooting of the film where Iggy as an actor was not sure of what he should do. Yes, there are points where we have improvised where like any actor- it happens to me now, I'm sure it happens to Kajol—where we are suddenly lost, and we think, 'Okay, this is not how I thought this would span out. So now I'm in a place where I did not think I would be. How do I tackle this?' That's happened to Iggy too. That's happened to me during this film."
Prithviraj emphasised the importance of approaching co-actors as equals, regardless of experience. 'What is important regarding your conversation with your fellow actor is not that you make sure it's not a conversation between a seasoned actor and a debutant. It's just a conversation between two actors trying to be two different characters in the film. And I think Ibrahim learned that very soon. When you're talking to your co-actor about a scene, it does not matter how experienced or not experienced he or she is. What only matters is, how does he or she perceive the character? How do I perceive the character? How do both of us perceive this particular moment and how can we collaborate on this?' According to Prithviraj, Ibrahim was 'already well-trained to comprehend that process and how to adopt that process for his own good.' He added, 'I really think Ibrahim has put in a lot of work for this film. It's really a lot of work from him. And as people already know, the camera really loves him. He is a very, very good-looking boy.'Calling 'Sarzameen' a 'very interesting debut' for Ibrahim, Prithviraj said, 'This is his first film, actually the first film he acted in. I kept telling him, and I told this to Saif sir also, when I met him that this is actually a very, very interesting debut for an actor to make, because it's not what you would think is a given debut for an actor like Ibrahim. So yes, I'm looking forward to what people think of him in the film.'Addressing the criticism Ibrahim has faced with 'Nadaaniyan', Prithviraj offered a candid reality check: "See, Ibrahim will be wonderful in this film, but that's not going to put an end to anything. Hello, if Shah Rukh Khan sir can still be criticised, why can't Ibrahim Ali Khan be criticised? Come on. From where I come from, Mohanlal sir and Mammootty sir are still criticised. There's nothing bigger than that for us to understand that that's never going to end.'advertisementHe added, 'You have to just keep trying. I've totally realised that it never gets easier. You think, 'Oh, that one blockbuster,' and then it gets easier? No. It does not. It never gets easier. The idea is that you start really enjoying the grind.''Sarzameen' premieres on JioHotstar on July 25, 2025, and marks Ibrahim Ali Khan's second film. He stars alongside Prithviraj and Kajol.- EndsYou May Also Like