Priyadarshan hails Naslen’s innocence and spark, compares him to early Kamal Haasan

At the trailer launch of ‘Lokah: Chapter 1’, director Priyadarshan made an interesting comparison between actor Naslen and a young Kamal Haasan. He recalled first noticing Kamal in ‘Vishnu Vijayam’, and said Naslen carries the same mix of innocence and subtle mischief that once defined the legendary actor.

‘Lokah: Chapter 1’ stars Naslen alongside Priyadarshan’s daughter, Kalyani Priyadarshan. Reflecting on her journey, the veteran filmmaker admitted he never imagined she would enter the industry. Her debut, he said, happened almost by chance when actor Nagarjuna approached her with a role. Though Priyadarshan initially wondered if she was ready, Kalyani insisted on giving it a try. That decision, he noted, set her on a path that has since seen her evolve into an actor unafraid of demanding roles.

“As a father, it still feels strange to watch her fighting and pulling off stunts on screen,” Priyadarshan said, adding that such moments also highlight the magic of cinema. He expressed hope that ‘Lokah: Chapter 1’, like the works of many young filmmakers today, would find success on a global scale.

Speaking warmly about Naslen, Priyadarshan described him as his “current favourite actor.” He drew parallels with Kamal Haasan’s early career, noting that both share a natural innocence on screen, but with an underlying sharpness that adds depth to their performances. Naslen, visibly humbled, responded with folded hands in gratitude.

Priyadarshan also reflected on his own career, which spans nearly a hundred films. He admitted he has never been one to chase milestones or worry about success and failure. “Some films work, some don’t. That’s part of the process,” he said. For him, the joy lies in filmmaking itself, and it is passion, he added, that keeps directors going despite setbacks.