At just 25 years old, Naslen K. Gafoor has taken Malayalam cinema by storm, earning the coveted title of “superstar” from none other than Dulquer Salmaan. This rising star has already entered the exclusive ₹100 crore club twice, making him one of the most promising young actors in Indian cinema today.
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The Meteoric Rise of Naslen?
Naslen’s journey from newcomer to leading man exemplifies how talent, timing, and smart film choices can catapult an actor to stardom. His natural acting style and willingness to take on diverse roles have resonated with audiences across all demographics, particularly the youth.
Naslen’s Box Office Achievements
| Film | Year | Role | Box Office Collection | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premalu | 2024 | Lead Actor | ₹136 crore worldwide | 6th highest-grossing Malayalam film |
| Alappuzha Gymkhana | 2025 | Lead Actor | ₹65 crore | Critical acclaim |
| Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra | 2025 | Supporting Role | ₹100+ crore | 3rd highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025 |
Premalu: The Career-Defining Breakthrough
Naslen’s career took a major turn in 2024 with the romantic comedy Premalu, directed by Girish A.D. The film, co-starring Mamitha Baiju, became a cultural phenomenon that struck a chord with young audiences nationwide. Premalu became the sixth highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time and the fourth highest of 2024, establishing Naslen as a bankable star.
The success of Premalu wasn’t just commercial—it proved that fresh faces could carry big-budget films when backed by compelling storytelling and authentic performances.
Strategic Career Choices in 2025
Alappuzha Gymkhana showcased Naslen’s versatility in the sports comedy genre, directed by Khalid Rahman. Though the film collected ₹65 crore—falling short of the ₹100 crore mark—it was praised for its performances and storytelling, further cementing Naslen’s reputation as a reliable performer.
In Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, released on August 28, 2025, Naslen demonstrated his strategic thinking by taking a supporting role in Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero film. The film crossed ₹100 crore globally in just seven days, becoming the third-highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025.
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The Dulquer Salmaan Endorsement
The moment that captured industry attention came when producer Dulquer Salmaan posted a viral photo featuring Naslen alongside actor Tovino Thomas, commenting “Edaaaa!!! Superstar.” This endorsement from one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars validates Naslen’s rapidly growing influence in the industry.
What Makes Naslen Different
Unlike many young actors who chase glamorous roles, Naslen has shown remarkable maturity in his film selections. His willingness to take supporting roles in promising projects like Lokah demonstrates an understanding that career longevity comes from smart choices rather than just lead roles.
The Kerala State Film Development Corporation has recognized the emergence of young talents like Naslen as crucial for the industry’s continued growth and pan-Indian appeal.
Future Projects and Industry Impact
Naslen will be next seen in Tiki Taka, starring alongside established actor Asif Ali. With his growing popularity and back-to-back hits, expectations are high for his upcoming films. Industry insiders predict that Naslen’s success story will inspire a new generation of actors to focus on content-driven cinema.
The New Generation of Malayalam Stars
Naslen’s rapid ascent represents a broader shift in Malayalam cinema, where audiences increasingly embrace fresh faces who bring authenticity to their performances. His success alongside other young actors signals a generational change that’s reshaping the industry landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What factors contributed to Naslen becoming a superstar at just 25 years old?
Naslen’s rapid rise to stardom stems from his exceptional choice of scripts, natural acting ability, and strategic career decisions. His breakthrough film Premalu resonated with Gen-Z audiences through its relatable storytelling, while his willingness to take supporting roles in successful projects like Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra shows maturity beyond his years. His authentic screen presence and ability to connect with younger demographics have made him a bankable star, earning recognition from industry stalwarts like Dulquer Salmaan who called him a “superstar.”
Q2: How significant is it for a 25-year-old actor to have two ₹100 crore films in Malayalam cinema?
Having two ₹100 crore hits before turning 26 is extremely rare in Malayalam cinema, where even established stars sometimes struggle to achieve such numbers. This achievement places Naslen in an elite category, demonstrating both his commercial viability and audience appeal. The fact that he achieved this milestone through different types of roles—as a lead in Premalu and supporting actor in Lokah—shows his versatility and market value. This early success positions him as a key player who can influence Malayalam cinema’s future direction and pan-Indian expansion.
