In an exclusive interview, actor Prithviraj Sukumaran opens up about his latest movie, L2: Empuraan, and the monumental journey he undertook to get back to performing high-octane action sequences after a complex surgery.
"I've done many action films in my career, but this particular film was monumental for me because it was the first time I performed action sequences after undergoing a complex surgery," Prithviraj reveals, his voice filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. "The surgery was necessary due to a serious injury I sustained while filming another action scene in 2023. It was a challenging procedure, and finally getting back to performing stunts in this film was incredibly significant for me."
The surgery, which involved ACL and meniscus repair, was a daunting experience for the actor. "The surgery itself was particularly tough. Anyone who has undergone ACL and meniscus surgery will tell you that while the procedure is relatively simple—it lasts about 45 minutes, and you might be discharged the same day—the recovery is far more challenging, especially mentally," Prithviraj explains.
"For someone with a very active lifestyle, it can be difficult to endure. The recovery process typically takes a year, and I began shooting L2: Empuraan just three months into it."
Despite the challenges, Prithviraj was determined to get back to doing what he loves. "At that point, I was still in the early stages of healing, operating at about 20% of my full capacity," he recalls. "Between shots, I had to continue my physiotherapy. To make things even more challenging, we started filming in Ladakh, where the high altitude and low oxygen levels added to the difficulty."
However, the film became a blessing in disguise for Prithviraj's recovery process. "It helped take my mind off the struggles of rehabilitation and allowed me to focus on my physiotherapy while immersing myself in filmmaking," he says. "A crucial aspect of recovery is being in the right mental space, and directing L2: Empuraan played a significant role in keeping me in that positive mindset."
Beyond the physical challenges, Prithviraj was also drawn to the film's narrative, particularly his character Zayed's compelling backstory. "Zayed’s character carries a deep and compelling backstory, which is intricately woven into the film’s narrative—something you’ll see when you watch it," he teases.
Ultimately, Prithviraj's return highlights not only his resilience but also the healing power of passion and cinema during tough times. As he continues to face the challenges of recovery, the excitement surrounding L2: Empuraan promises to deliver a thrilling experience for audiences and a testament to his journey back to the screen.
