Dulquer Salmaan Crowns 25-Year-Old Naslen as a ‘Superstar’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant endorsement from an established star to an emerging talent, Malayalam cinema heartthrob Dulquer Salmaan has officially anointed 25-year-old actor Naslen K. Gafoor as the industry’s newest ‘superstar’. This recognition comes on the heels of Naslen achieving a rare and remarkable box office milestone.

The young actor has become the talk of Tinseltown by starring in two consecutive films that have stormed into the coveted ₹100 crore club, a feat that eludes even many veteran actors.

The Landmark Achievements:

Naslen’s double success comes from two starkly different genres, showcasing his impressive range:

1. ‘Premalu’ (2024): A runaway hit romantic comedy directed by Girish A.D., where Naslen played the memorable supporting role of Sachin Santhosh. The film, starring Mamitha Baiju and Naslen, charmed audiences with its humour and heart, becoming a pan-India success after its release on Disney+ Hotstar.
2. ‘Lokah Chapter 1: Loki’s Law’ (2024): An action-thriller where Naslen took on a more intense and pivotal role. The film’s success proved his ability to anchor a major project beyond the comedy genre, solidifying his market value.

The Seal of Approval from a Superstar:

The moment that cemented this achievement in the industry’s eyes was when Dulquer Salmaan, a major pan-India star himself, took to his social media to acknowledge Naslen’s success. Sharing a poster celebrating the dual century, Dulquer wrote a heartfelt note, captioning it:

“Superstar! 🔥🔥🔥 So so well deserved! 👏🏽👏🏽”

This public praise from a senior colleague is seen as a formal welcome for Naslen into the top echelons of the industry.

What This Means for the Industry:

Naslen’s success story is being hailed as a testament to the evolving landscape of Malayalam cinema. It underscores the power of content-driven films and the audience’s acceptance of fresh talent. Achieving two ₹100 crore hits at the age of 25 marks Naslen as one of the youngest and most bankable stars in the current generation, promising a bright future for the Mollywood industry.

About the Actor:

Naslen K. Gafoor, who began his career with smaller roles, gained significant attention for his performance in the 2022 superhit ‘Super Sharanya’. His comedic timing and relatable persona quickly made him a favourite among the youth. With back-to-back blockbusters, he has now transitioned from a promising supporting actor to a bona fide lead star.

Industry experts are now keenly watching Naslen’s next moves, as the label of “superstar” from an influential figure like Dulquer Salmaan comes with both immense opportunity and great expectation.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Naslen, 25, is now one of Malayalam cinema’s fastest-rising stars.
• Two films have already crossed the ₹100 crore mark before he turned 26.
• Dulquer Salmaan publicly called him a “Superstar”, sparking fan excitement.

🎬 The Breakout Hits

Premalu (2024)

• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Director: Girish A.D.
• Box Office: ₹136 crore
• Highlight: Became the 6th highest-grossing Malayalam film ever.
• Co-Stars: Mamitha Baiju, Sangeeth Prathap

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra (2025)

• Genre: Superhero Drama
• Director: Noted for path-breaking visuals
• Box Office: ₹100 crore worldwide in just 7 days
• Notable: Featured Kalyani Priyadarshan as Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero.
• Naslen’s Role: Strong supporting performance that boosted his popularity.

Alappuzha Gymkhana (2025)

• Director: Khalid Rahman
• Box Office: ₹65 crore
• Impact: Not a 100-crore film, but still a major commercial win.

🌟 The Superstar Moment

A candid Instagram post featuring Dulquer Salmaan, Naslen, and Tovino Thomas went viral.

• Dulquer’s comment: “Edaaaa!!! Superstar” 🚀
• Fans hailed it as the official passing of the torch to a new generation.

🎥 What’s Next for Naslen?

• Upcoming Project: Tiki Taka with Asif Ali.
• Industry buzz suggests Naslen could soon become a bankable leading man in his own right.

📊 Box Office Snapshot

✨ With two massive blockbusters under his belt and Dulquer’s blessing, Naslen is no longer just a promising newcomer — he’s Malayalam cinema’s youngest superstar in the making.