Prithviraj Sukumaran has come to the defense of Ibrahim Ali Khan, his co-star in the upcoming film Sarzameen, amidst criticism the young actor has faced for his performance in Nadaaniyan. In a recent interview, Prithviraj addressed the negativity directed at Ibrahim, offering a grounded perspective on the challenges faced by actors, even established ones.

Prithviraj emphasized that criticism is an inevitable part of an actor's life, regardless of their experience or stature. He pointed out that even industry giants like Shah Rukh Khan are subject to scrutiny, stating, "If Shah Rukh Khan sir can still be criticised, why can't Ibrahim Ali Khan be criticised? Come on". Drawing from his own experiences in the Malayalam film industry, he added that even legends like Mohanlal and Mammootty face criticism, highlighting the relentless nature of public opinion.

Ibrahim Ali Khan's debut performance in Nadaaniyan, a romantic comedy produced by Dharmatic Entertainment for Netflix, received mixed reviews. While some appreciated the film's youthful energy, others found it shallow and predictable. Ibrahim's performance, along with that of his co-star Khushi Kapoor, was described as being "saddled with the unbearable lightness of a story that rests on vacuous contrivances".

Prithviraj, however, has praised Ibrahim's dedication and preparation for Sarzameen. He called Ibrahim "one of the most well-prepared debutants" he has ever worked with, noting that the young actor had a clear understanding of his character's arc from day one of shooting. He also commended director Kayoze Irani for working closely with Ibrahim for over a year to develop the character. Prithviraj also noted Ibrahim's strong screen presence, remarking, "the camera really loves him. He is a very, very good-looking boy".

Sarzameen marks a significant departure for Ibrahim, who is seen in a more intense and dramatic role. The film, set in Kashmir, features Prithviraj as a soldier and Kajol as his wife, with Ibrahim portraying a character with potentially darker shades. The teaser of the film shows Ibrahim pointing a gun at Prithviraj, hinting at a complex and conflicted character. Prithviraj has described Sarzameen as a "very interesting debut" for Ibrahim, as it is not the typical role one might expect for a newcomer.

Kajol has also spoken out in support of Ibrahim and other star kids who face trolling on social media. She noted that these young actors are often well-prepared but face immense pressure, adding, "Today, it's almost like a do-or-die situation for them... But we can be a little kinder".

Prithviraj's support for Ibrahim highlights the importance of mentorship and encouragement in the film industry. By acknowledging the criticism while also emphasizing Ibrahim's potential and hard work, Prithviraj offers a balanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing young actors today. He hopes the audience will appreciate Ibrahim's performance in Sarzameen, a film he believes will showcase the young actor's talent and versatility.