Bad is in the head

Prithviraj Sukumaran; (right) The action fare is led by Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff

Villainy is not new to Prithviraj Sukumaran. The Malayalam actor previously played the antagonist in a few movies, including Krithyam (2005) and Kuruthi (2021). What's different about Bade Miyan Chote Miyan then, which sees him lock horns with Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff? Sources say that unlike brawny baddies who are all about force, director Ali Abbas Zafar has designed Sukumaran's character as a stylish anti-hero, an ambitious scientist who uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve his goal.

Ali Abbas Zafar

A source reveals that Sukumaran was Zafar's first choice for the role. While the actor's wide popularity was a factor, the director had another reason for his decision. The source says, "Ali thought of Prithviraj for the role, owing to the kind of credibility he has as an actor. While the director has designed the film as an Akshay and Tiger action fare, he has developed a broad arc for the anti-hero. The character Kabir is depicted as a suave, highly intelligent scientist who fights using his mind, not force. Ali felt that Prithviraj would be the right fit, given his persona. When the actor read the script, he realised Kabir had a meaty role." We hear the actor sports a cool look in the upcoming Eid release. The source adds, "The makers have kept his look under wraps, and did not even reveal it in the teaser."

While Zafar and his business partner Himanshu Mehra previously backed Jogi (2022) and Bloody Daddy (2023), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan marks their first big production. The filmmaker, who is producing the entertainer with Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani, is upbeat about Sukumaran's casting, as he says, "I'm fortunate to work with a south superstar like him. Prithviraj is a brilliant actor, and I learnt a lot from him."