Prithviraj Sukumaran: Kaapa is a cinematic adaptation of Shankhumukhi, not a line-by-line depiction

Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran seems to have become the go-to actor for playing protagonists based on GR Indugopan’s literary works. He has already signed more than two films based on the writer’s books, and his first release will be Shaji Kailas’ Kaapa that is based on Shankhumukhi.

In a recent press meet, the actor revealed what attracted him to the role of Kotta Madhu, a gangster based in Thiruvananthapuram. “As an actor, it’s a character you would be thrilled to take on because he is someone who tries unsuccessfully to escape his haunting past. Every time he believes that he has escaped the clutches of it and reaches ashore, something pulls him back again. This is mentioned in a dialogue that my character says to Aparna (Balamurali)’s in the movie,” he said.

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That said the character is also “huge power symbol”, said Prithviraj. “He is not someone who is able to show his vulnerability to the outside world. That’s what I found interesting about the character,” he added.

When asked if the movie’s so-called ‘mass’ moments would divert from the emotional core of the book, Prithviraj explained, “Kaapa has a lot of moments that will strike you emotionally. That’s also what I took home after watching the film. Of course, the movie also has action and so-called ‘mass’ moments. This is a cinematic adaptation of Shankhumukhi, not a line-by-line depiction.”

Prithviraj also said that the film doesn’t have too many political implications. “The film doesn’t have a political backdrop. Madhu, in one point of the movie, decides to contest the corporation election and after that there’s an impediment for him in the sense that he shouldn’t get into any trouble till the polls are over. Apart from that it doesn’t deal with anything political,” he said.

The actor also hailed Shaji Kailas’ direction in the film. “How he shot the film was a pleasant surprise for me,” said the actor, adding that he felt this is one of the better movies in the veteran filmmaker’s career.