Prithviraj Sukumaran defends violence in Salaar, Animal: ‘We should have the liberty of making what we want to’

He stated, “The audience has already been told about a film’s certification because it has violence or nudity. Censorship should happen in the exhibition sector to keep a tab on who goes to the theatre and who gets to see it. As an artist, I’ve always believed that we should have the liberty of making what we want to. Who sees the material should be regulated as it is.” Defending Salaar’s violent scenes, Prithviraj said that the film won’t be the same with violence. “The violence in Salaar is very much a character in the plot and it’s a screenplay instrument to further the drama. Without the violence, Salaar won’t be what it is.”

Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire, directed by Prashanth Neel, is set in a fictional kingdom named Khansaar. Prithviraj has played the role of Vardha Mannar, one of the governors of the city, who wants to become its king. When a coup is staged to overthrow him, Vardha seeks help from his old friend Deva (Prabhas). The film, which is loosely based on Prashanth Neel’s Ugramm, has collected more than Rs 200 crore at the domestic box office in a matter of four days. Other than Prabhas and Prithviraj, the film also has Shruti Haasan, Jagapati Babu, and Bobby Simha in important roles.