“Nadippin Chakravarthy” – A proclamation, a promise, a celebration

“Nadippin Chakravarthy” – A proclamation, a promise, a celebration.

When Rana Daggubati—actor-producer known across South Indian cinema—took the stage at the trailer-launch of the Tamil film Kaantha, his words were nothing short of a bold declaration: after watching Dulquer’s performance, he said, “After this film, entire Tamil Nadu will hail Dulquer Salmaan as ‘Nadippin Chakravarthy’ (Emperor of Acting).” 

Why this title?

Rana was effusive in his praise. He called Dulquer’s performance “outstanding” and admitted becoming his admirer.  The actor’s role is set in the 1950s Madras backdrop (Tamil Nadu of the era) in Kaantha, where Dulquer plays T. K. Mahadevan. 

Rana also went further: “If anyone in India were to write a period drama, the first actor that would come to mind would be Dulquer. Only after that would they think of someone else.” 

The film and the event

Kaantha is helmed by director Selvamani Selvaraj, produced by Wayfarer Films (this is their first non-Malayalam venture).  The film features Dulquer, Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, and Rana himself in key roles. 

At the event, Rana also took a moment to appreciate Samuthirakani’s involvement and the way he acted almost like an assistant‐director on set, showing deep involvement.  He welcomed Bhagyashri (who had already acted in Telugu films) into Tamil cinema and noted the nostalgic flavour the director tried to recreate, evoking the old Vijaya Vauhini studio era. 

What it means for Dulquer and Tamil cinema

For Dulquer, known primarily for his Malayalam work (with pan-Indian ventures increasingly), this film marks a strong statement. Playing a period hero in a Tamil film that’s also planned for Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi release broadens the scope. 

Rana’s proclamation signals that in Tamil cinema’s ecosystem, Dulquer’s star is rising not just as a pan-South actor, but as someone who can be the go-to for period dramas or cinematic grandeur in Tamil as well.

Expectations & release

The film is slated to release on 14 November 2025.  With the combination of a period setting, ensemble cast, pan-language reach, and the backing of an enthusiastic Rana Daggubati endorsement, the expectation is high.

Why this is interesting to note

• It reflects how South Indian cinema is increasingly cross-regional: an actor from Malayalam cinema being positioned strongly in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi markets.

• The use of the title “Nadippin Chakravarthy” (Emperor of Acting) is symbolic—showing industry peers acknowledging Dulquer’s craft and potential.

• Period dramas continue to be a premium slot in Indian cinema—when someone says “the first actor I’d think of for a period drama is Dulquer”, that’s a big vote of confidence.

• For Tamil audiences, the promise is: this isn’t just another film; it’s being pitched as something that might define or elevate Dulquer’s Tamil cinema journey.

What to look out for

• The trailer and first looks: given the period setting and ensemble, visuals will be key to gauging how authentic/engaging the film looks.

• Dulquer’s transformation into the 1950s era role — wardrobe, dialect, performance nuance.

• Box-office reach: The film’s pan-language rollout (Tamil first, then Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi) suggests ambitiously broad target.

• Reception: Will Tamil audiences embrace Dulquer as Rana predicts? Will he indeed earn the moniker “Nadippin Chakravarthy”?

• Support cast: Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse — their performances will contribute significantly to the film’s strength.

Final thoughts

Rana Daggubati’s statement isn’t just a promotional quote—it signals a strategic positioning of Dulquer Salmaan in Tamil cinema, particularly in big-scale, period or prestige films. If Kaantha lives up to the promise, we may indeed see Dulquer celebrated widely in Tamil Nadu not just as a visiting star but as one of the central acting forces.

For fans of South Indian cinema, of Dulquer’s work, or of period dramas, Kaantha is definitely one to watch. And for Tamil audiences, the question is: will the “Emperor of Acting” title stick?