Malayalam actor and director Prithviraj Sukumaran recently expressed admiration for Priyanka Chopra’s acting skills, particularly highlighting her performance in the 2012 film ‘Barfi!’. While promoting his directorial venture ‘L2: Empuraan’, Prithviraj called Priyanka’s portrayal of Jhilmil Chatterjee one of the finest performances in Indian cinema over the last 25 years.
Prithviraj’s Praise for Priyanka’s Role in ‘Barfi!’
In a recent interview with Instant Bollywood, Prithviraj was asked to name his favorite Priyanka Chopra film. Without hesitation, he said, “Barfi! It is one of the finest performances by any lead actor—male or female—in Indian cinema in the past 25 years.”
He also emphasized how Priyanka’s character was even more challenging than that of her co-star, Ranbir Kapoor, in the movie. He said, “I know Ranbir’s performance was amazing, but I don’t think Priyanka’s was spoken about as much as his. That character Priyanka played in ‘Barfi!’ was a very thin line to walk. An inch left or an inch right, it really would have fallen flat. But my God, she did a mind-blowing job.”
Priand sensitive. The complexity of the character demanded subtlety in expressions, body language, and dialogue delivery, and Priyanka delivered it flawlessly.
Her ability to bring out the innocence, vulnerability, and charm of Jhilmil without overplaying the symptoms of autism won widespread acclaim. Many critics and viewers consider it one of her best performances to date.
About ‘Barfi!’ – A Film That Redefined Storytelling
Directed by Anurag Basu, ‘Barfi!’ is a romantic drama that was released in 2012. The film starred:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Murphy “Barfi” Johnson, a hearing and speech-impaired man
- Priyanka Chopra as Jhilmil Chatterjee, a woman with autism
- Ileana D’Cruz as Shruti Ghosh, Barfi’s first love interest
The film stood out for its heartfelt storytelling, visually stunning cinematography, and soulful music. Unlike traditional Bollywood films, ‘Barfi!’ did not rely on action sequences or melodrama, yet it managed to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and humor.
Also Read : Will Smith Confronts Oscars Slap Controversy in New Album ‘Based on a True Story’
Box Office Success and International Recognition
‘Barfi!’ was made on a budget of approximately ₹35 crore and went on to gross over ₹175 crore worldwide. The film’s commercial success was a testament to its storytelling and the strength of its lead performances.
The film also gained international recognition, becoming India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards. Although it didn’t receive a nomination, the selection was a significant achievement for Indian cinema.
Prithviraj’s Current Projects and Collaboration with Priyanka Chopra
Apart from discussing Priyanka’s performance, Prithviraj Sukumaran is currently busy with his own projects. His latest directorial film, ‘L2: Empuraan’, released on March 27, 2025, and has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film is a sequel to ‘Lucifer’ (2019) and stars Mohanlal in the lead role.
Additionally, Prithviraj confirmed his involvement in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film, ‘SSMB 29’, which features Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles. This marks an exciting collaboration, especially with Rajamouli known for his larger-than-life storytelling.
Priyanka Chopra’s Message from the Sets of ‘SSMB 29’
Recently, several behind-the-scenes pictures and videos from the set of ‘SSMB 29’ surfaced online. Some of the images featured Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Rajamouli posing with locals in Koraput.
In one viral photo, Priyanka Chopra is seen signing a heartfelt note, which read:
“Dear Koraput, thank you for the warm hospitality. Looking forward to many such adventures. With love from the sets of SSMB-29.”
Though the makers haven’t officially announced the cast yet, these images strongly indicate that Priyanka Chopra is indeed a part of Rajamouli’s ambitious project.
Also Read : Ustaad Bhagat Singh: Pawan Kalyan’s Much-Awaited Film Not Shelved, Confirms Producer
Why Prithviraj’s Praise for Priyanka Chopra Matters
Prithviraj’s recognition of Priyanka Chopra’s performance in ‘Barfi!’ highlights how actors push boundaries to bring authentic characters to life. Despite her global fame, it’s performances like Jhilmil in ‘Barfi!’ that continue to earn her immense respect within the film industry.
As both Prithviraj and Priyanka Chopra embark on new cinematic journeys, their upcoming films promise exciting performances and unforgettable storytelling.
