Priyadarshan shares proud moment with Sanju Samson, celebrates Malayali cricket pride
Synopsis
Filmmaker Priyadarshan marked a personal milestone by sharing a photograph with cricketer Sanju Samson, the standout performer of India's 2026 T20 World Cup triumph. For the director—whose career spans over four decades across Malayalam and Hindi cinema—the moment reflected a deeper connection: the pride of seeing a fellow Malayali excel on cricket's grandest stage.
Key Takeaways
Priyadarshan shared a photograph with cricketer Sanju Samson on 13 May , calling it a proud moment for Malayali cricket fans.
Sanju Samson was a standout performer in India's 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup-winning teams, earning Player of the Tournament in 2026 .
Priyadarshan has directed over 90 films since 1982 across Malayalam and Hindi cinema, including blockbusters like Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Hera Pheri .
His recent film Bhooth Bangla with Akshay Kumar is his second horror-comedy after the 2007 hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa .
Filmmaker Priyadarshan on 13 May shared a photograph with cricketer Sanju Samson on Instagram, expressing pride in standing beside the India national team player. The director, who identifies as a "cricket lover", called the moment a "proud" occasion for every Malayali cricket fan.
"As a Malayali and a cricket lover, I feel proud to stand beside Sanju Samson for a picture, a proud moment for every Malayali cricket fan," Priyadarshan wrote in the caption accompanying the image, in which both are seen smiling at the camera.
Sanju Samson's cricket milestones
Sanju Samson has established himself as a key player for the India national cricket team. He was part of the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup-winning squads, delivering a standout Player of the Tournament performance in the 2026 edition. In domestic cricket, he represents Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and plays for the Kerala cricket team.
Priyadarshan's filmmaking legacy
Priyadarshan has been a fixture in Hindi and Malayalam cinema since 1982, with over 90 films to his credit. His Malayalam-language work in the 1980s included critically acclaimed titles such as Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu, Thalavattam, Vellanakalude Nadu, Vandanam, Kilukkam, and Megham.
Transition to Hindi cinema and box-office success
His move into Hindi cinema began with Gardish and Virasat, but commercial success came with Hera Pheri, Hungama, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Chup Chup Ke, Dhol, Khatta Meetha, and the horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa, which became a box-office hit in 2007. His filmography also includes Chitram, De Dana Dan, and Bhagam Bhag.
Recent work and Bhooth Bangla
Priyadarshan's most recent release, Bhooth Bangla, reunites him with actor Akshay Kumar for a second horror-comedy venture. The film centers on Arjun, Kumar's character, who inherits a haunted ancestral palace in Mangalpur and resolves to host his sister's wedding there despite warnings from locals. The narrative unfolds around a deadly curse tied to a demon spirit, Vadhusur, that claims brides as victims.
Point of View
Who has spent four decades shaping Hindi-language cinema, the moment underscores how regional pride transcends industry boundaries in India. Sanju Samson's emergence as a world-class cricketer has elevated Kerala's sporting identity, and filmmakers across industries have taken note.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Priyadarshan say about his photograph with Sanju Samson?
Priyadarshan called it a proud moment for every Malayali cricket fan. He wrote on Instagram: 'As a Malayali and a cricket lover, I feel proud to stand beside Sanju Samson for a picture.'
Who is Sanju Samson and what are his cricket achievements?
Sanju Samson is an Indian cricketer who plays for the national team, Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, and Kerala in domestic cricket. He was part of India's 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup-winning teams and earned Player of the Tournament honours in 2026.
How many films has Priyadarshan directed?
Priyadarshan has directed over 90 films since 1982, working across both Malayalam and Hindi cinema with blockbusters including Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hera Pheri, Hungama, and Garam Masala.
What is Priyadarshan's most recent film?
His most recent release is Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy starring Akshay Kumar. The film marks his second horror-comedy after the 2007 hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
