Kalyani Priyadarshan (born 5 April 1993) is an Indian actress who appears predominantly in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films. Kalyani is a recipient of one Filmfare Award South and three South Indian International Movie Awards.Born to filmmaker Priyadarshan and actress Lissy, Kalyani started her career as an assistant production designer. She made her acting debut in the Telugu film Hello (2017), for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South. She then expanded to Tamil cinema with Hero (2019), and Malayalam cinema with Varane Avashyamund (2020). Kalyani has since starred in Chitralahari (2019), Maanaadu (2021), Hridayam (2022), Thallumaala (2022) and Bro Daddy (2022). For the last of these she won the SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Malayalam.

Early life and family

Kalyani was born on 5 April 1993 in Chennai, in a Malayali family to Indian filmmaker Priyadarshan and actress Lissy. She is elder of the two children, and has a younger brother named Siddharth. She completed her early schooling in Lady Andal, Chennai and later studied in Singapore, where she also worked in theatre groups. She pursued architecture from Parsons School of Design, New York. After Kalyani returned to India, she attended an acting workshop in Adishakti Theatre, Pondicherry.

Early life and education

Kalyani was born on 5 April 1993 in Chennai, in a Malayali family to Indian filmmaker Priyadarshan and actress Lissy. She is elder of the two children, and has a younger brother. She did her early schooling in Lady Andal, Chennai and later studied in Singapore, where she also worked in theatre groups.After completing her schooling, she got her bachelor's degree in architecture designing from Parsons School of Design, New York City. During this time she also interned in theatre at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Returning to India, she attended an acting workshop in Adishakti Theatre, Pondicherry.

Career

Kalyani began her film career in 2013 as an assistant production designer under Sabu Cyril in the Hindi film ''Krrish 3'' (2013). In 2016 she worked as an assistant art director in the Tamil film ''Iru Mugan'' (2016). Kalyani made her acting debut with the 2017 Telugu film ''Hello'', opposite Akhil Akkineni. The film received positive response but turned out to be a below-average grosser at the box-office. ''The Hindu'' noted, "Kalyani Priyadarshan's entry happens a little late into the film but it's a commendable debut complementing and sharing good chemistry with Akhil."Kalyani had three releases in 2019. She first appeared opposite Sai Dharam Tej in ''Chitralahari''. The film opened to mixed to positive reviews and became a commercial success. ''Firstpost'' stated, "Kalyani Priyadarshan does a fine job as an innocent, naive girl; however, her romantic track with Sai Dharam Tej is too superficial." Her other two releases of the year were box office failures, where she appeared opposite Sharwanand in ''Ranarangam'' and opposite Sivakarthikeyan in ''Hero'', which marked her Tamil debut. In 2020, she made her Malayalam debut with ''Varane Avashyamund'' opposite Dulquer Salmaan. In 2020, she made her Malayalam debut with ''Varane Avashyamund'' opposite Dulquer Salmaan. ''The News Minute'' stated, "Kalyani easily carries off her role as the young woman. Interestingly, she is the more conventional one between the mother and daughter." Next, she played Urvashi's younger version in a segment of ''Putham Pudhu Kaalai''. ''NDTV India'' wrote, "Kalyani Priyadarshan capture the present and the past in a seamless flow and is perfectly cast."In her first film of 2021, Kalyani appeared in the Tamil film ''Maanaadu'' opposite Silambarasan. It received positive reviews from critics and was successful at the box office. ''Hindustan Times'' wrote, "Kalyani Priyadarshan is good and shines in the limited screen space she gets." Her next release in the same year was Malayalam film ''Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea'' opposite Pranav Mohanlal. The film received mixed to negative reviews and failed at the box office. The year 2022 marked a turning point in Kalyani's career. All her three releases were successful and gained her positive reviews. She first appeared in ''Hridayam'' opposite Pranav Mohanlal. The year 2022 marked a turning point in Kalyani's career. All her three releases were successful and gained her positive reviews. She first appeared in ''Hridayam'' opposite Pranav Mohanlal. It received critical acclaim and became a box office success. ''Cinema Express'' stated that Kalyani is aptly cast and that ''Hridayam'' is her "finest hour". ''Manorama Online'' noted, "Kalyani was effective as Nithya and her chemistry with Pranav is one of the high points of the film." She next appeared in ''Bro Daddy'' opposite Prithviraj Sukumaran, which released directly on Disney+ Hotstar. ''India Today'' noted, "Kalyani as Anna is a revelation. She is a natural and her expressions are apt for every situation." In her final film of the year, she appeared opposite Tovino Thomas in ''Thallumaala''. It received positive reviews from critics and became one of the highest grossing Malayalam films ever. ''The Week'' noted, "Kalyani's BePathu is a strong swag character who claims a huge social media following. Pathu is safe in Kalyani's hands."Kalyani had two releases in 2023. She first played a Muslim woman who aspires to become a football commentator in ''Sesham Mike-il Fathima''. ''The Hindu'' noted, "Kalyani has put up an earnest performance with her screen presence. There is an ease with which she plays Fathima but does seem weighed down by the heavy dialogues in some scenes, thus restricting her as an actor." Next, she played an aggressive college student alongside Joju George in ''Antony''. ''The New Indian Express'' stated, "Kalyani gets some amazing fight scenes in the first half. But, the one-dimensional portrayal of her character doesn't help and it looses connection."Kalyani will next appear in the Tamil film ''Genie'' and the Malayalam film ''Varshangalkku Shesham''.

Debut and early work (2017–2020)

Kalyani began her film career in 2013 as an assistant production designer under Sabu Cyril in the Hindi film ''Krrish 3'' (2013). In 2016 she worked as an assistant art director in the Tamil film ''Iru Mugan'' (2016). Kalyani made her acting debut with the 2017 Telugu film ''Hello'', opposite Akhil Akkineni. The film received positive response but turned out to be a below-average grosser at the box-office. ''The Hindu'' noted, "Kalyani Priyadarshan's entry happens a little late into the film but it's a commendable debut complementing and sharing good chemistry with Akhil."Kalyani had three releases in 2019. She first appeared opposite Sai Dharam Tej in ''Chitralahari''. The film opened to mixed to positive reviews and became a commercial success. ''Firstpost'' stated, "Kalyani Priyadarshan does a fine job as an innocent, naive girl; however, her romantic track with Sai Dharam Tej is too superficial." Her other two releases of the year were box office failures, where she appeared opposite Sharwanand in ''Ranarangam'' and opposite Sivakarthikeyan in ''Hero'', which marked her Tamil debut. In 2020, she made her Malayalam debut with ''Varane Avashyamund'' opposite Dulquer Salmaan. In 2020, she made her Malayalam debut with ''Varane Avashyamund'' opposite Dulquer Salmaan. ''The News Minute'' stated, "Kalyani easily carries off her role as the young woman. Interestingly, she is the more conventional one between the mother and daughter." Next, she played Urvashi's younger version in a segment of ''Putham Pudhu Kaalai''. ''NDTV India'' wrote, "Kalyani Priyadarshan capture the present and the past in a seamless flow and is perfectly cast."

Debut and early work (2017-2020)

Kalyani began her film career in 2013 as an assistant production designer under Sabu Cyril in the Hindi film ''Krrish 3'' (2013). In 2016 she worked as an assistant art director in the Tamil film ''Iru Mugan'' (2016). Kalyani made her acting debut with the 2017 Telugu film ''Hello'', opposite Akhil Akkineni. The film received positive response but turned out to be a below-average grosser at the box-office. ''The Hindu'' noted, "Kalyani Priyadarshan’s entry happens a little late into the film but it’s a commendable debut complementing and sharing good chemistry with Akhil."Kalyani had three releases in 2019. She first appeared opposite Sai Dharam Tej in ''Chitralahari''. The film opened to mixed to positive reviews and became a commercial success. ''Firstpost'' stated, "Kalyani Priyadarshan does a fine job as an innocent, naive girl; however, her romantic track with Sai Dharam Tej is too superficial." Her other two releases of the year were box office failures, where she appeared opposite Sharwanand in ''Ranarangam'' and opposite Sivakarthikeyan in ''Hero'', which marked her Tamil debut. In 2020, she made her Malayalam debut with ''Varane Avashyamund'' opposite Dulquer Salmaan. In 2020, she made her Malayalam debut with ''Varane Avashyamund'' opposite Dulquer Salmaan. ''The News Minute'' stated, "Kalyani easily carries off her role as the young woman. Interestingly, she is the more conventional one between the mother and daughter." Next, she played Urvashi's younger version in a segment of ''Putham Pudhu Kaalai''. ''NDTV India'' wrote, "Kalyani Priyadarshan capture the present and the past in a seamless flow and is perfectly cast."

Debut and early work (2013-2020)

Kalyani began her film career in 2013 as an assistant production designer under Sabu Cyril in the Hindi film ''Krrish 3'' (2013). In 2016 she worked as an assistant art director in the Tamil film ''Iru Mugan'' (2016). In the following year, she made her acting debut with the Telugu film ''Hello'' (2017), opposite Akhil Akkineni. The film released worldwide on 22 December 2017, and she had received positive response for her performance from critics. Her first release in Malayalam was ''Varane Avashyamund'', directed by Anoop Sathyan.

Career progression and success (2021–present)

In her first film of 2021, Kalyani appeared in the Tamil film ''Maanaadu'' opposite Silambarasan. It received positive reviews from critics and was successful at the box office. ''Hindustan Times'' wrote, "Kalyani Priyadarshan is good and shines in the limited screen space she gets." Her next release in the same year was Malayalam film ''Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea'' opposite Pranav Mohanlal. The film received mixed to negative reviews and failed at the box office. The year 2022 marked a turning point in Kalyani's career. All her three releases were successful and gained her positive reviews. She first appeared in ''Hridayam'' opposite Pranav Mohanlal. The year 2022 marked a turning point in Kalyani's career. All her three releases were successful and gained her positive reviews. She first appeared in ''Hridayam'' opposite Pranav Mohanlal. It received critical acclaim and became a box office success. ''Cinema Express'' stated that Kalyani is aptly cast and that ''Hridayam'' is her "finest hour". ''Manorama Online'' noted, "Kalyani was effective as Nithya and her chemistry with Pranav is one of the high points of the film." She next appeared in ''Bro Daddy'' opposite Prithviraj Sukumaran, which released directly on Disney+ Hotstar. ''India Today'' noted, "Kalyani as Anna is a revelation. She is a natural and her expressions are apt for every situation." In her final film of the year, she appeared opposite Tovino Thomas in ''Thallumaala''. It received positive reviews from critics and became one of the highest grossing Malayalam films ever. ''The Week'' noted, "Kalyani's BePathu is a strong swag character who claims a huge social media following. Pathu is safe in Kalyani's hands."Kalyani had two releases in 2023. She first played a Muslim woman who aspires to become a football commentator in ''Sesham Mike-il Fathima''. ''The Hindu'' noted, "Kalyani has put up an earnest performance with her screen presence. There is an ease with which she plays Fathima but does seem weighed down by the heavy dialogues in some scenes, thus restricting her as an actor." Next, she played an aggressive college student alongside Joju George in ''Antony''. ''The New Indian Express'' stated, "Kalyani gets some amazing fight scenes in the first half. But, the one-dimensional portrayal of her character doesn't help and it looses connection."Kalyani will next appear in the Tamil film ''Genie'' and the Malayalam film ''Varshangalkku Shesham''.

Career progression and success (2021-present)

In her first film of 2021, Kalyani appeared in the Tamil film ''Maanaadu'' opposite Silambarasan. It received positive reviews from critics and was successful at the box office. ''Hindustan Times'' wrote, "Kalyani Priyadarshan is good and shines in the limited screen space she gets." Her next release in the same year was Malayalam film ''Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea'' opposite Pranav Mohanlal. The film received mixed to negative reviews and failed at the box office. The year 2022 marked a turning point in Kalyani's career. All her three releases were successful and gained her positive reviews. She first appeared in ''Hridayam'' opposite Pranav Mohanlal. The year 2022 marked a turning point in Kalyani's career. All her three releases were successful and gained her positive reviews. She first appeared in ''Hridayam'' opposite Pranav Mohanlal. It received critical acclaim and became a box office success. ''Cinema Express'' stated that Kalyani is aptly cast and that ''Hridayam'' is her "finest hour". ''Manorama Online'' noted, "Kalyani was effective as Nithya and her chemistry with Pranav is one of the high points of the film." She next appeared in ''Bro Daddy'' opposite Prithviraj Sukumaran, which released directly on Disney+ Hotstar. ''India Today'' noted, "Kalyani as Anna is a revelation. She is a natural and her expressions are apt for every situation." In her final film of the year, she appeared opposite Tovino Thomas in ''Thallumaala''. It received positive reviews from critics and became one of the highest grossing Malayalam films ever. ''The Week'' noted, "Kalyani’s BePathu is a strong swag character who claims a huge social media following. Pathu is safe in Kalyani’s hands."Kalyani will next appeare in ''Sesham Mikeil Fathima'', ''Antony'', ''Genie'' and ''Varshangalkku Shesham''.

Career progression (2021-present)

In 2021, she appeared in Tamil-language science fiction action thriller film ''Maanaadu'' alongside actor Silambarasan. Her next release in the same year was Malayalam film ''Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham''. The film received mixed to negative reviews and failed at the box office. In 2022, she appeared in ''Hridayam'', opposite Pranav Mohanlal. She next appeared in ''Bro Daddy'' directed by and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, which released directly on Disney+ Hotstar, and also appeared in ''Thallumaala'' (2022) directed by Khalid Rahman, opposite Tovino Thomas.

Other work and media image

Kalyani received critical acclaim for her film debut ''Hello''. She termed the film as "the best film" that has happened to her career.Kalyani is a prominent celebrity endorser for several brands and products including Kalyan Jewellers and Ajio. She has been the cover model for various magazines including "Ritz" and "You & I". Kalyani was named Kochi Times Most Desirable Women of 2020. The same year, she ranked 8th in Chennai Times Most Desirable Women and 41st in Times Most Desirable Women list.