Following the release of Vaazha 2, social media influencer-turned-actor Hashir's stocks have risen considerably. Since then, the actor has more followers on Instagram as compared to Naslen, something which netizens have discussed a lot. In a recent interview, Naslen opened up about the talks of a rivalry between him, Hashir and Sandeep Pradeep.

Speaking to The Cue Studio, the Premalu actor said that despite the outside talks of the competition, he is in good terms with Hashir and Sandeep. "A film featuring all of us might happen. We are all well-connected people," the actor said about the relationship he shares with his contemporaries.

Naslen also revealed that he has been following Hashir's reels for a long time now, including before the time the latter ventured into cinema. "I called and messaged all of them after watching Vaazha," the actor said, seemingly alluding to the recently released sequel from director Savin SA.

He added that people who create the speculation about a rivalry between him and his contemporaries do not realise that they are in good terms. "They are just making it up. That said, only a limited number of people do this," the actor said.

There has been similar discourse about competition between actors of the previous generation. In fact, when Sandeep had back-to-back hits in Alappuzha Gymkhana, Padakkalam, and Eko, people started saying that he has overtaken Naslen. Now, the conversation has shifted to Hashir versus him. The Premalu star playfully commented, "People say, 'You are finished. You rest in the grave now.' What did I even do?" He added, "It is a cycle," and joked, "I will give this 'mala' (wreath) to Sandeep or Hashir tomorrow."

Rivalry or no rivalry, these three are among the brightest young stars in Malayalam cinema today.