'Mohanlal is the easiest to direct; would pick Shah Rukh Khan for Lucifer Hindi remake': Prithviraj

The much-awaited L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, is set to hit theatres on March 27.

Following the release of its teaser, discussions about the film have gained momentum. Several rumours have also surfaced regarding possible cameos. Now, in an interview with FilmiBeat’s YouTube channel, Prithviraj has shared more insights about the film.

Prithviraj expressed his hope that the film would live up to the anticipation created by the teaser when it releases in theatres on March 27. He also explained that the six-year gap between Lucifer (2019) and its sequel was due to the Covid pandemic. Empuraan was originally supposed to be his second directorial venture, with filming scheduled to begin in early 2020. However, the pandemic disrupted all plans.

The director also revealed that while a Hindi remake of Lucifer could not materialise in 2019, the evolving film industry landscape over the past five or six years has now led to L2: Empuraan being made in five languages. When the anchor mentioned that Lucifer was the first Malayalam film to cross the ₹200 crore mark, Prithviraj said he wasn't certain but acknowledged the film's massive success, adding that it had achieved cult status among the audience.

Speaking about his experience as a director, Prithviraj described Mohanlal as the easiest actor to work with. “I have had the privilege to direct a lot of actors and one of the easiest I could direct is Lal sir. He will come and ask you what do you want me to do. He expects you to give him a brief and once you give him the brief, he then does the magical version that he has interpreted out of it,” he said. 

When asked who he would choose for the lead role if Lucifer were remade in Hindi, Prithviraj said Shah Rukh Khan.