With ‘Sarzameen’, Prithviraj Sukumaran steps into the heart of a nation torn between ideals, identity, and unwavering love for one’s homeland. The upcoming film, which explores themes of national duty, personal sacrifice, and moral conflict, features the popular actor as an officer on duty, one as vulnerable as he is fierce.

At a time when patriotism is constantly being redefined and debated, India Today exclusively asked Prithviraj what it means to him. “I only have one meaning for it. I don’t have too many meanings for it,” he said, adding, “When I say I’m patriotic, I mean that I absolutely love my country and I’m very proud of the fact that I’m an Indian.”

The actor exclaims, “Wherever you go in the world, wherever I am in [any part of] the world, whatever I’m doing, my first sense of belonging is the fact that I’m from India. It’s not the fact that I’m from Kerala, it’s not the fact that I speak Malayalam, or that you speak Hindi, or are from Maharashtra. If tomorrow you’re in some part of the world and people ask you where you’re from, I’m not going to say I’m from Trivandrum. I’m going to say I’m from India. So that sense of belonging, and the pride in that sense of belonging, is what I think is patriotism for me. I’m deeply patriotic that way.”

‘Sarzameen’ is set to premiere on JioHotstar on July 25, 2025. The film also stars Kajol and Ibrahim Ali Khan in pivotal roles.

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