Mumbai: Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has lauded actor Kalyani Priyadarshan for her performance in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, which has become a major box-office hit. Akshay, who has frequently collaborated with Kalyani’s father, director Priyadarshan, expressed his admiration for the actress on social media, congratulating her on her Hindi version release.

Talent runs in the family

Akshay Kumar, known for movies such as Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, praised Kalyani’s acting skills on X, stating:

“Talent runs in the family…suna thaa, ab dekh liya! Hearing lovely things about the brilliant acting chops of @kalyanipriyan, Priyadarshan Sir’s daughter. My best wishes to her and the entire team of #Lokah on their Hindi version release. More power.”

The actor’s remarks highlight the growing recognition of Kalyani’s talent in the Indian film industry, with fans applauding both her acting and the successful launch of her first female-led superhero film.

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra makes history

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra marks the debut of Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero, with Kalyani portraying Chandra, a mythology-inspired heroine navigating a modern world filled with folklore and fantasy. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films, the film has shattered box-office records, becoming South India’s highest-grossing female-led film, crossing Rs 100 crore globally within its first week.

Critics have praised the movie for its immersive world-building, gripping narrative, and Kalyani’s standout performance. The cast also includes Naslen, Sandy, Arun Kurian, Chandu Salimkumar, Nishanth Sagar, Raghunath Paleri, Vijayaraghavan, Nithya Shri, and Sarath Sabha.

Akshay’s ongoing projects

Akshay Kumar continues to collaborate with Priyadarshan, working on upcoming films Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan. He is also awaiting the release of Jolly LLB 3, directed by Subhash Kapoor and co-starring Arshad Warsi, set to hit theatres on September 19, 2025.

Conclusion

The overwhelming success of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra signifies a major step forward for female-led cinema in South India, while the praise from Akshay Kumar reinforces Kalyani Priyadarshan’s growing stature in the Indian film industry. Her performance has not only captivated audiences but also set a new benchmark for mythology-inspired superhero films in the region.