Before the release of Lokah, Kalyani Priyadarshan was often the target of online criticism. Many social media users called her “expressionless,” with trailers and posters being mocked for looking “AI-generated” or emotionally flat. But in a striking turnaround, the conversation online shifted dramatically after the film’s release, with a wave of unanimous praise celebrating her performance.
This drastic change has led many to question: Is the praise genuine? Or is it part of a coordinated PR push?
One of the main arguments against the sudden praise is that Kalyani’s role in Lokah didn’t actually require heavy emotional acting. The character she plays is largely deadpan and physically driven; silent, stoic, and mysterious. Many point out that the only emotionally intense scenes came from the flashback, which were performed by a child actor.
In that sense, Kalyani’s performance didn’t falter, but nor was it necessarily remarkable. She had the physicality, the screen presence, and carried the action sequences well — but did the role ever demand emotional depth or range? That’s debatable.
Several viewers also credit the film’s technical brilliance; cinematography, sound design, editing, and background score; for enhancing Kalyani’s presence on screen. Some argue that her aura in the film is more a product of smart direction and production choices than a testament to breakthrough acting. In other words, she looked like the real deal, but didn’t necessarily act like it.
Social media is known for its fickleness. Just as it mocked the trailer for being dull, it is now praising the film and its cast in unison. This is not unusual — online discourse often moves in waves, and once an opinion gains momentum, it quickly becomes the dominant narrative.
Some suspect that the positive buzz is also partially fueled by PR machinery. After all, glowing posts and reviews, especially when they appear too coordinated or lack critical nuance, tend to raise eyebrows.
In all fairness, Kalyani wasn’t bad in Lokah. She was effective for the role she played. But calling it a breakthrough acting performance may be a stretch. The real test of her acting depth will come with more emotionally demanding roles , like in Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira.
Also Read: List Of Malayalam Actors whose Rise to Fame Took You by Surprise
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