While Prithviraj is best known as an actor, he has also proven to be a successful director and producer. His directorial debut came with the Malayalam blockbuster (2019), starring Mohanlal. The film became the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever at its time of release. He also directed its sequel, L2: Empuraan (2025), which was released in multiple languages, including Tamil, and became another massive success.
Prithviraj temporarily signed off from Tamil cinema with what many consider his finest work in the language, Kaaviya Thalaivan . In Vasantha Balan's epic historical drama, he played , a role that allowed him to go through a gamut of emotions. His character was a 'kallapart' (villain), but in many ways, it was the 'Raajapart' in the epic.
Born on October 13, 1982, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Prithviraj began his acting career as a child actor in Malayalam films. He made his debut as a lead actor in the 2002 Tamil film "Villa", but it was his breakthrough performance in the 2006 Tamil film "Iruvar" that gained him recognition. Since then, Prithviraj has appeared in numerous Tamil films, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. prithviraj tamil movies list
If you are interested in a deep dive, I can provide a (e.g., Karthik in Mozhi vs. Gomathi in Kaaviya Thalaivan ), or I can list the best streaming platforms to watch his dubbed Tamil hits.
In one role, he managed to showcase surprise, love, humour, fear, courage, compassion, peace, and anger before ticking the final box of disgust as his character walked into the Ganges. It was a beautiful melange of emotions, and his performance won him the for his portrayal of 'Melachivilberi Gomathinayagam Pillai'. The film marked a fitting end to his remarkable journey in Tamil cinema. While Prithviraj is best known as an actor,
We hope this article provides a detailed insight into Prithviraj's remarkable journey in Tamil cinema.
A remake of the Malayalam hit Udayananu Tharam , Vellithirai delves into the dark and satirical side of the cinema industry. Prithviraj plays Saravanan, an aspiring and hardworking director whose script is stolen by a struggling actor (played by Prakash Raj) to become a superstar. Prithviraj perfectly captured the frustration, passion, and resilience of a betrayed creator, making it a treat for cinema lovers. 7. Abhiyum Naanum (2008) Sudhakar (Cameo Appearance) Director: Radha Mohan Co-stars: Prakash Raj, Trisha, Aishwarya He also directed its sequel, L2: Empuraan (2025),
From playing a menacing villain in his debut to a grieving husband in Mozhi and a morally complex cop in Raavanan , Prithviraj Sukumaran has demonstrated remarkable range in Tamil cinema. While his filmography in the language may not be extensive, each role has been impactful, adding a new dimension to his already celebrated career. With exciting projects on the horizon, his connection with Tamil audiences is set to grow even stronger.
Working with master craftsman Mani Ratnam is a dream for any actor. In Raavanan , a modern adaptation of the Ramayana, Prithviraj played Dev Prakash, an uncompromising, fierce police officer (the parallel to Lord Rama). Facing off against Vikram's character, Prithviraj brought a rigid intensity to the screen, perfectly embodying a man torn between his duty and his ego. 4. The Masterclass in Acting: Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014)
| S.No. | Year | Title | Role | Co-Stars | Key Highlights/Awards | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | 2005 | | Madhan | Srikanth, Gopika | Prithviraj's Tamil debut as a corporate villain | | 2 | 2006 | Parijatham | Surendhar / Sreedhar | Saranya Bhagyaraj, Prakash Raj | A romantic drama where he played dual roles | | 3 | 2007 | Mozhi | Karthik | Jyotika, Prakash Raj | One of his most seminal and acclaimed films in Tamil | | 4 | 2007 | Saththam Podathey | Ravichandran | Padmapriya, Nithin Sathya | A thrilling relationship drama directed by Vasanth | | 5 | 2007 | Kannamoochi Yenada | Unnamed | Sandhya, Sathyaraj, Radikaa | A romantic drama featuring a battle of egos | | 6 | 2008 | Velli Thirai | Unnamed | Gopika, Prakash Raj | A remake of the Malayalam hit Udhayananu Tharam | | 7 | 2009 | Ninaithaale Inikkum | Shiva | Karthik Kumar, Sakshi Shivanand | A campus drama, remake of Classmates (2006) | | 8 | 2010 | Raavanan | Dev Prakash Subramaniam (a cop) | Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Karthik | His biggest Tamil film; premiered at the Cannes Film Festival | | 9 | 2014 | Kaaviya Thalaivan | Gomathinayagam Pillai | Siddharth, Vedhika | Won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain |
As of 2025, with multiple projects in the pipeline, his affinity for Tamil cinema remains strong. Keep this list bookmarked, because Prithviraj is only getting started in Kollywood.