With back-to-back hits in the form of Alappuzha Gymkhana and Padakkalam, actor Sandeep Pradeep is on a roll. The young actor is a star in the making, and social media is abuzz with fanfare and admiration for his work.

However, this rise in popularity has also led to comparisons with fellow actor Naslen, a well-established figure among the new generation of Malayalam stars.

In an interview with The Cue Studio, Sandeep addressed the comparisons and made it clear there is no animosity between the two actors.

“I’ve seen some of the posts on social media,” said Sandeep. “If you dive too deep into it, it can affect you mentally. Naslen and I often talk about these things. We even joke about it. We have a boxing group, and sometimes one of us will share a troll there.”

Sandeep went on to clarify that he views Naslen as a friend and respects his place in the industry. “Naslen is a popular star and has been around for years. I’ve only just started. When someone new arrives, comparisons are natural—like comparing two products when a new one launches in the market. It’s just an initial phase and shouldn't be taken too seriously.”

He added, “In any field, you’ll find people who are harsh, some who are critical in a healthy way, and some who simply spread negativity. It’s part of the process.”

Touching on the evolution of hero roles in Malayalam cinema, Sandeep said, “Earlier, the hero’s age bracket was above 28. Now, there’s a shift toward teenage dramas. Naslen is at the forefront of this category, and many of us came after him. There are plenty of stories in this space, and one actor can’t do them all.”

Concluding, he remarked, “I hope more actors continue to enter the industry. As for me and Naslen—our friendship remains strong, untouched by any of the comparisons.”