Exclusive! Prithviraj to shoot for Vilayath Buddha after completing Aadujeevitham in 2022: Sandip Senan

Vilayath Buddha is a special project for Prithviraj Sukumaran for several reasons. The film was initially set to be directed by the late filmmaker Sachy, who had helmed Anarkali and Ayyappanum Koshiyum, before his associate Jayan Nambiar took the reins as the director. The movie, much like Ayyappanum Koshiyum, will also see the superstar in a role that has more dark shades than grey. 

In an exclusive chat with OTTplay, the movie’s producer Sandip Senan, whose banner Urvashi Theatres is backing the film, tells us, “Vilayath Buddha will go on floors in the beginning of 2022. There was a casting call earlier this year, and we are now in the process confirming the rest of the cast.”

Vilayath Buddha is based on GR Indugopan eponymous novel, which revolves around a teacher named Bhaskaran and his pupil, Double Mohanan. Set in the high ranges of Marayoor, the film follows the duo as Mohanan, a smuggler, challenges his teacher and tries to cut down a sandalwood tree, called Vilayath Buddha, which the latter had planted for a personal reason. 

Prithviraj will be playing the role of the sandalwood smuggler Mohanan in the movie. “We will start shooting Prithviraj’s portions after he is done with Aadujeevitham,” says Sandip. Prithviraj is expected to resume filming for Aadujeevitham, which is again based on a literary work by Benyamin, in the beginning of 2022 – with shoot planned in Algeria, Jordan and India. 

On if the team has confirmed the actor who will playing the role of Bhaskaran, Sandip, who is currently backing Tharun Moorthy’s Saudi Vellakka, tells us, “We are in the process of finalising that too.” 

Prithviraj, meanwhile, is currently shooting for Alphonse Puthren’s Gold. He is also set to work on another one of GR Indugopan’s novels; he will be playing a thug in Venu’s upcoming movie titled Kaapa.

Also read: Prithviraj on casting Mallika Sukumaran: Mohanlal had recommended my mother for Bro Daddy