Filmmaker C Prem Kumar, best known for directing the acclaimed romantic drama 96, is preparing to explore new creative collaborations by directing scripts written by other writers. The director, who has completed shooting his upcoming film starring Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil, said he intends to take up these projects after finishing his fifth directorial venture. Prem Kumar has largely worked on stories written by himself, but he is now expanding his creative process to include collaborations with other screenwriters. The approach is common in Malayalam cinema, where directors frequently work with scripts developed by independent writers. Prem Kumar believes that collaborating with other writers could open up new storytelling possibilities while allowing him to continue pursuing his own ideas.

"I'm happy writing my own scripts. At the same time, I have already started working with another writer, who is writing two scripts for me. I am also jointly writing a few scripts with some other writers. After my fifth directorial, I'll be taking up these projects," the filmmaker said. His comments indicate that he has already begun developing multiple projects beyond the films he writes independently. One writer is working on two scripts for him, while other projects are being developed through joint writing efforts. However, Prem Kumar has indicated that he plans to begin directing these stories only after completing his fifth film, suggesting that the projects are part of his longer-term creative plans rather than immediate production commitments.

The director was also asked whether another filmmaker had approached him to direct a screenplay written by him. Prem Kumar said that no such opportunity had come his way so far. He added that the possibility could arise if someone expressed interest in one of his scripts and he decided that he did not want to direct the story himself. "Maybe if someone asks for my script and I don't want to direct it, then that will happen," he said. Prem Kumar made his directorial debut with the Tamil romantic drama 96 in 2018. Starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan, the film followed former schoolmates who reunite years after their separation and revisit memories of their teenage years. Its restrained storytelling, emotional performances and nostalgic treatment of first love helped it connect with audiences.

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The film later inspired the Telugu remake Jaanu, starring Sharwanand and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Before moving into direction, Prem Kumar built his career as a cinematographer, working on eight films. His experience behind the camera has contributed to his approach to visual storytelling, while his directorial work has established him as a filmmaker interested in character-driven narratives and emotional relationships. His subsequent directorial projects include Meiyazhagan, the Tamil drama starring Karthi and Arvind Swamy. The film explored family relationships, memories and personal connections, continuing the filmmaker's interest in intimate stories centred on human emotions. Meanwhile, Prem Kumar's upcoming film with Fahadh Faasil has completed principal photography and entered post-production. The director is currently in Kochi for the film's dubbing work.

According to him, the film could reach theatres towards the end of this year or during the first quarter of next year, depending on various factors. The project marks another step in Prem Kumar's filmmaking journey as he continues to work across industries and explore different creative partnerships. While details about the film's title, storyline and supporting cast have not been provided, its post-production progress indicates that the next phase of the project is underway. With several scripts already in development, Prem Kumar appears set to broaden his directorial choices after his fifth film. His decision to consider stories written by others could introduce him to new narrative styles and working relationships, while his own screenwriting projects remain an important part of his career. Further details about the collaborations and the filmmaker's upcoming releases are expected as the projects progress.

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