‘Baththa’: Who is Sai Prithviraj, the Boy Wonder Making Waves in Vijay Sethupathi’s Latest?

A child’s emotional performance has captivated audiences, turning a film screening into a moment of collective admiration as they respond with cheers and applause. This was the scene during the premiere of Baththa, the latest film directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan and featuring the celebrated actor Vijay Sethupathi, which hit theaters on October 1. While the film was marketed as a gangster drama, it delves deeper into the themes of repression and the societal masks people wear, all conveyed from a child’s perspective.

Introducing Sai Prithviraj

Amidst the film’s themes and critical narratives, the discovery of young talent Sai Prithviraj stands out. At just nine years old—soon to be “9+” in March 2024—Sai plays the protagonist, Sabari, and has garnered enthusiastic reception for his performance. “I’m over the moon to see how much everyone is enjoying the film,” he shared, expressing excitement about his friends’ reactions at school as they engage in post-release discussions. However, he also humorously noted that with all the promotion duties, he hasn’t had the chance to call them yet.

Path to Acting

Sai’s journey into acting began through the influence of his sister, Kayal, who has appeared in Vijay Antony’s film Maargan. “My sister taught me acting, and I started liking it,” Sai explained. He sought her guidance for Baththa as he balanced his budding acting career with soccer and dance classes. A proud and self-reliant young actor, he emphasizes, “I’ve never been to acting classes! It’s all my own.”

His experience on the set of Baththa was exhilarating, with Sai affirming that he never felt fear during the filming process, despite portraying a nervous child on screen. “There weren’t any difficult dialogues or scenes, but running in chappals was challenging. I’m used to running barefoot or in shoes,” he remarked, highlighting his youthful exuberance.

Collaboration with the Team

Working under the direction of Balaji Tharaneetharan, a filmmaker he admires, Sai appreciated the intelligent guidance he received. “Director Balaji didn’t explain much about the story but simply told me to play Sabari.” He praised Balaji’s methodical approach, expressing gratitude for the calm and steady direction he provided on set.

A pivotal scene in the film that notably moved audiences showcases Sabari stuttering and revealing personal struggles to an adult character. Sai credited Balaji’s assistant, Navaneeth, for significantly aiding his preparation for this emotionally charged moment. “Navaneeth sir helped me learn the emotion of the scene days before the shoot,” he recounted, underlining the importance of preparation in acting. In addition, star Vijay Sethupathi’s encouragement had a lasting impact on Sai. “He said, ‘If you have any doubts or difficulties, let me know; I will help you.’ I gained a lot of experience in acting because of him,” explained Sai, who added that Sethupathi emphasized the importance of education alongside acting.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Sai is set to appear in Dhanush’s upcoming 56th film, directed by Tamizharasan Pachamuthu, known for his work in Lubber Pandhu. As he wraps up the promotional activities for Baththa, Sai anticipates the challenge of balancing school life with his burgeoning acting engagements. He lightheartedly acknowledged the fatigue that promotions would bring, joking, “I might just go lie down.” Despite the exhausting schedule, his enthusiasm remains unwavering as he relishes the media interactions and opportunities arising from his success. “I should speak to the people who ask for interviews, no?” he chimed, embodying the spirit of a young star eager to share his journey with the world.

As the closing credits roll on Baththa, the emergence of Sai Prithviraj marks the arrival of a promising new talent in the Tamil film industry, captivating audiences and critics alike with his heartfelt performances and the potential for a bright future in cinema.