Vicky Kaushal on why Kalyani Priyadarshan's performance in Lokah was tricky

Actors Vicky Kaushal and Kalyani Priyadarshan have something in common, though they are from Bollywood and Malayalam cinema, respectively. Both the actors lead the highest-grossing films of 2025 from their industries with Chhaava and Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra. During the recent The Hollywood Reporter India's Actors Roundtable 2025, Vicky Kaushal reviewed Kalyani Priyadarshan’s performance in Lokah, terming it as tricky. Here’s why..

Vicky Kaushal on Kalyani Priyadarshan's Lokah

Malayalam actress Kalyani Priyadarshan stars as a superhero in Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, the first of its kind role for a woman in Indian cinema. Describing why it was not easy to portray the role, Hindi actor Vicky Kaushal said, “I feel what's tricky as an actor is to deliver a performance on a character which is supposed to be stoic at for most.”

Kalyani plays Chandra or Kalliyankattu Neeli, a vengeful spirit from Kerala folklore, who has been around for centuries now. Hence, her character hardly expresses any reactions, and comes across as stoic.

Citing this, the Masaan actor said, “She was completely still, you know, and still to kind of not make me feel that it's a flat performance, but it's meaning something in every scene. I think that's huge.”

Vicky was last seen in the historical action film Chhaava, where he played Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj who takes on the might of the Mughal empire. Chhaava is the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, with Rs 807 crore, as per trade tracker Sacnilk and follows the Kannada film Kantara Chapter 1 which is the highest-grosser Indian movie of the year.

Also read: Chhaava movie review: Vicky Kaushal uplifts Laxman Utekar's film with his valiant performance 

Kalyani’s Lokah stands over Rs 300 crore, but it is still the all-time highest-grosser from the relatively smaller Malayalam industry which works under more constrained budgets. Lokah was helmed by Dominic Arun and backed by actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan who also appears in a cameo in the film. Lokah has already announced it sequel as the makers seek to build a five-part franchise.

Lokah FAQs

Q. Is Lokah on JioHotstar?

A. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is streaming on JioHots tar via OTTplay Premium. Kalyani Priyadarshan leads this film, which is the highest-grosser in Malayalam

Q. What is Dulquer Salmaan in Lokah?

A. Dulquer Salmaan is seen as an Odiyan named Charlie in Lokah. The Kaantha actor has also produced the woman-led film.

Q. Is Lokah Part 2 coming?

A. The makers have announced Lokah Part 2, which will have actor Tovino Thomas in the lead. Tovino had made a cameo appearance in Lokah Chapter 1.