Actor and producer Rana Daggubati heaped praise on Dulquer Salmaan at the trailer launch event of Kaantha, calling the Malayalam star’s performance “outstanding” and saying he had become a fan of him after watching the film. Rana added that once the film releases, “all of Tamil Nadu will hail Dulquer as the ‘Nadippin Chakravarthy’ (Emperor of Acting).”

The actor also took a moment to appreciate the other cast members, including Samuthirakani and Bhagyashi Borse, who play key roles in the film.

“I come from one of the few Telugu families that moved from T. Nagar to Film Nagar. I grew up hearing fascinating stories about Vijaya Vauhini Studios and the great films made there. Director Selva has recreated a similar nostalgic atmosphere in Kaantha. The heroine, Bhagyashri, was chosen through an audition, though she had already acted as a lead in Telugu films. So, I take this opportunity to welcome her to Tamil cinema,” Rana said in his introductory speech.

In Kaantha, Samuthirakani plays the role of a film director. Rana praised him, noting that on set, Samuthirakani worked almost like director Selva’s assistant, showing deep involvement in the creative process. During his speech, Rana once again referred to Dulquer Salmaan as the “Nadippin Chakravarthy.”

Director Selvamani Selvaraj had earlier said that once Kaantha releases on November 14, all of Tamil Nadu would call Dulquer Salmaan by that title — a sentiment Rana said he fully agreed with. “If anyone in India were to write a period drama, the first actor that would come to their mind would be Dulquer. Only after that would they think of someone else. Dulquer is not just a dear friend but someone who truly loves cinema. But after watching this film, I’ve become his admirer as well,” Rana added.

Dulquer Salmaan plays the role of T. K. Mahadevan in Kaantha, which is set against the backdrop of 1950s Madras. Alongside Dulquer, the film features Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, and Rana Daggubati in significant roles.

Produced by Wayfarer Films, Kaantha marks the company’s first non-Malayalam production. Originally made in Tamil, the film will also release in Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi. It is Dulquer’s next major release following the Telugu blockbuster Lucky Baskhar.