Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan had high praise for young actor Naslen at the trailer launch of his daughter Kalyani Priyadarshan’s upcoming fantasy spectacle Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. At the event, Priyadarshan reached back half a century to draw a comparison that instantly struck a chord. Referring to the 1974 Malayalam film Vishnu Vijayam, he said, “Naslen is a favourite actor of mine. When I used to watch films like Vishnu Vijayam, I noticed the unique charm of Kamal Haasan as an actor. He exuded innocence while also conveying a cheeky confidence. Naslen feels like the second coming of that.” On hearing his words, a visibly moved Naslen stood up and expressed his gratitude, earning warm applause from the audience.
The mention of Vishnu Vijayam is particularly significant. Directed by N Sankaran Nair, the film featured Kamal Haasan in the titular role opposite Sheela, during his formative phase as a leading man in Malayalam cinema. Earlier that same year, Kamal had already made a striking breakthrough with Kanyakumari, a landmark Malayalam film scripted by the legendary writer-filmmaker M T Vasudevan Nair and directed by K S Sethumadhavan. The film, which paired him with Rita Bhaduri in her debut, marked his very first outing as a full-fledged protagonist and introduced audiences to the adult performer who would soon dominate South Indian screens. It also launched the career of Jagathy Sreekumar and earned Kamal his very first Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Malayalam).
The praise for Naslen comes at a time when the actor is carving out a strong space in Malayalam cinema with his energetic performances and youthful charm. Sharing the screen with Kalyani in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, he leads what is being touted as one of the most ambitious Malayalam films in recent years. Written and directed by Tharangam-fame Dominic Arun, the upcoming fantasy spectacle promises to fuse myth and dystopia in a striking new visual language. Actor Santhy Balachandran has contributed as an additional screenplay writer and dramaturgist, while Dulquer Salmaan produces the film under his Wayfarer Films banner.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra releases worldwide on August 28, clashing with Mohanlal’s Hridayapoorvam. Adding to the festive weekend, Fahadh Faasil’s Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, also featuring Kalyani, opens a day later.
Priyadarshan, meanwhile, is directing Haiwaan, a Hindi reimagining of his Malayalam thriller Oppam. Saif Ali Khan plays the blind protagonist originally essayed by Mohanlal, while Akshay Kumar is reported to step into the antagonist’s role.