By: Entertainment DeskBengaluru | November 17, 2025 02:17 PM IST 3 min readPrithviraj Sukumaran opens up about how Sachy kickstarted the adaptation of Vilaayath Budha.Vilaayaath Budha, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role, is an adaptation of G. Indugopan’s acclaimed novella of the same name. Recently, Prithviraj revealed that the decision to adapt the novella was made at the insistence of late director Sachy, and that the film aligns closely with the vision the filmmaker had originally imagined.In an interview with The Cue, Prithviraj said, “I was told about this movie for the very first time by Sachy. Sachy was the one who informed about the existence of such a book, character, and movie idea. It was during the last phase of shooting of our film Ayyapanum Koshiyum.”He added, “Once I confirmed my interest, Sachy called the writer of the original novel Indugopan and asked him for rights for a film version. A more than happy Indugopan obliged him with the film rights then and there, with me waiting on the other end of the phone for confirmation. We were all good to go with even our producer on board.”Also Read | Prithviraj speaks out on L2 Empuraan controversy, says he will never make a film to deliver political statement: ‘After investing crores…’During the early stages of Vilaayaath Budha’s pre-production, director Sachy passed away. Reflecting on his untimely demise and the transition of the project to its current director Jayan Nambiar, Prithviraj Sukumaran said, “During all this, of course, Sachi’s unexpected death happened. At that point, this story would naturally make sense in the hands of Jayan Nambiar, someone who is the only other person who has seen Sachy’s original vision for the film from up close and understood the spirit of what Sachy had in mind.”Prithviraj also shared his enthusiasm for the final version of the film that has come out. “I’ve already watched the final cut of the film, and I’m certain Sachy would have been happy with how it has turned out. Based on the way he envisioned the story and everything he had shared with me about the character Double Mohanan, I believe we’ve been able to capture his intentions on screen. I hope the audience feels the same.”Set in the remote hamlet of Marayoor in Kerala’s Idukki district, Vilaayaath Budha follows a local sandalwood dealer who becomes entangled in an ego-driven clash with his former teacher over the fate of an age-old sandalwood tree.Story continues below this adDirected by debutant Jayan Nambiar, the film also features Priyamvada Krishnan, Shammi Thilakan, Teejay Arunasalam, and Anu Mohan in pivotal roles.Also Read | Malayalam’s greatest actor served in Army and police before cinema; redefined screen acting; kept working despite coughing up blood on set due to leukaemiaVilaayath Bhuda will hit screens worldwide on November 21.Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:PrithvirajPrithviraj Sukumaran