Chennai: Actor and filmmaker SJ Suryah has praised Mamitha Baiju and Alia Bhatt for their acting abilities, naming the two actresses when asked to identify India’s leading powerhouse performers. During a conversation with IndiaGlitz, he was asked who he considered a ‘Nadippu Arakki’, a Tamil expression used to describe an actor with exceptional talent and a commanding screen presence.

“In recent times, Mamitha Baiju is doing really well. In North, Alia Bhatt,” SJ Suryah said, highlighting the two actresses from the South Indian and Hindi film industries.

His comments come as Mamitha Baiju continues to build her profile through a series of commercially successful films. The Malayalam actress has emerged as a prominent name in the industry, earning attention for her performances and expanding her presence across projects in different languages.

Mamitha Baiju’s successful run in 2026

Mamitha’s 2026 began with a role in director Vignesh Raja’s Kara, starring Dhanush. Her limited screen presence in the film drew criticism from some viewers, but she subsequently featured in projects that helped strengthen her standing as a performer.

Her performances in Bethlehem Kudumba Unit and Vishwanathan and Sons received critical appreciation, while the films also enjoyed commercial success, according to the report. She also stars alongside Vijay in Jana Nayagan, another major project associated with her 2026 line-up.

Mamitha’s recent box-office record has placed her alongside established actresses Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt in a discussion about female performers associated with successful films. A Cinema Express report published in September highlighted her entry into a rare list of Indian actresses linked to consecutive films crossing significant box-office milestones.

The precise earnings thresholds cited in the reports vary, so the achievement should be understood in the context of the figures reported by the respective publications.

Upcoming films keep Mamitha in the spotlight

Mamitha is set to appear in Irandu Vaanam, co-starring Vishnu Vishal, and Hello Dear. The latter also features Sangeeth Prathap, her co-star in Bethlehem Kudumba Unit and Premalu.

These projects are expected to extend her presence beyond the Malayalam film industry and give audiences further opportunities to see her in different roles. Her growing list of projects follows the success of Premalu, which helped increase her visibility among audiences outside Kerala.

SJ Suryah’s praise adds to the attention surrounding the actress, particularly as she continues to balance new releases with a growing fan base.

Alia Bhatt’s upcoming projects

Alia Bhatt, whom SJ Suryah also named as a powerhouse performer, continues to be associated with several high-profile Hindi film projects. According to the supplied report, she was last seen in a cameo dance appearance in Don’t Be Shy, while Alpha was her most recent major release.

Her upcoming slate includes Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. She is also set to feature in Tumbbad 2, alongside Sohum Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Alia has built a reputation through a mix of performance-driven dramas, mainstream entertainers and ambitious film projects. SJ Suryah’s mention of her alongside Mamitha reflects his appreciation for performers from different parts of Indian cinema.

SJ Suryah’s work across industries

SJ Suryah remains active as an actor, with appearances in films across Tamil and other Indian-language industries. He can be seen in Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar.

His upcoming projects include Bro Club, featuring Ravi Mohan, and Killer. Known for his distinctive screen presence and work as both a filmmaker and performer, SJ Suryah has continued to take on a range of roles.

His comments on Mamitha Baiju and Alia Bhatt have brought together two actresses at different stages of their careers, both of whom are associated with major projects and strong audience interest. For Mamitha, the recognition comes amid a busy period marked by new releases and upcoming films, while Alia continues to prepare for another slate of high-profile productions.