'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra': Dulquer Salmaan calls casting Kalyani Priyadarshan ‘a no-brainer’; praises her dedication

The success of 'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra' has been nothing short of historic. The film has set a new benchmark as the highest-grossing female-led movie in South Indian cinema.

At the Hyderabad success meet, producer and actor Dulquer Salmaan couldn’t hold back his admiration for the film’s leading star, Kalyani Priyadarshan, who plays the vampire-superhero inspired by Kerala’s folklore legend Kalliyankattu Neeli.

Dulquer on casting Kalyani as Chandra

For Dulquer, choosing Kalyani for the role was instinctive. “When it comes to casting Chandra, for me, it was a no-brainer because I don’t know of anybody else, me included, who would put this kind of sincere effort and dedication into shaping the character,” he said.

The actor-producer also revealed the personal bond they share. Dulquer said during the event that Kalyani Priyadarshan is like his sister and they are so similar in their thought process also. He said, "I think we were twins in another life. We have the same fears, insecurities and worries, which I sensed when we did Varane Avashyamund together,” he recalled.

Kalyani's dedication beyond expectations

Dulquer praised Kalyani’s remarkable work ethic, calling her “an absolute revelation.” He said, “Hypothetically, if she came aboard in December and the shoot was in August, she would have started training immediately after signing. And it’s not because the director or the production asked her to—it’s because she felt responsible.”

This commitment, he believes, is what makes her performance as Chandra so powerful and deserving of the acclaim.

Kalyani’s birthday wish for Dulquer

Their bond was evident not just professionally but personally too. On Dulquer’s recent birthday, Kalyani broke her tradition of private wishes by posting a heartfelt message on Instagram. “Thank you for being my first call for advice over the past five years. I don’t know where I’d be without you,” she wrote, ending with a warm, “Happy birthday.”

Meanwhile, 'Lokah' also features the actors Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, Sandy, Nishanth Sagar, and Arun Kurian in pivotal roles.