Prithviraj urges perspective on Ibrahim Ali Khan’s trolling, citing SRK and industry-wide scrutiny culture

With Sarzameen approaching release, attention has turned once again to Ibrahim Ali Khan. The film, which stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim, marks Ibrahim’s second major outing after his OTT debut Nadaaniyan. That debut drew mixed responses earlier this year and sparked a flurry of trolling online. Now, as Sarzameen nears its premiere on JioHotstar, Prithviraj is stepping up to address the noise.

In a conversation with India Today, Prithviraj offered a measured take on the criticism surrounding Ibrahim. “See, Ibrahim will be wonderful in this film, but that’s not going to put an end to anything,” he said. He brought in a broader industry perspective, adding, “If Shah Rukh Khan sir can still be criticised, why can’t Ibrahim Ali Khan be criticised? Come on. From where I come from, Mohanlal sir and Mammootty sir are still criticised.”

For the veteran actor, trolling is part of the larger ecosystem that every actor navigates—regardless of seniority or stardom. The key, he said, lies in showing up and staying consistent. “You think, ‘Oh, that one blockbuster,’ and then it gets easier? No. It does not. It never gets easier. The idea is that you start really enjoying the grind.”

Prithviraj also acknowledged Ibrahim’s hard work behind the scenes, calling out his dedication and on-camera presence. “I really think Ibrahim has put in a lot of work for this film. It’s really a lot of work from him. And as people already know, the camera really loves him. He is a very, very good-looking boy.”

This isn’t the first time a co-star has spoken up for Ibrahim. Kajol had earlier shared her views on the pressures that come with being a star kid. In an interview with PTI, she noted, “Today, it’s almost like a do-or-die situation for them, and for this, they’re very well prepared. But we can be a little kinder.”

Directed by Kayoze Irani, Sarzameen will stream from July 25, 2025. The film marks a crucial moment for Ibrahim, whose performance will be closely watched after the critical response to Nadaaniyan.