Kalyani Priyadarshan and Krithi Shetty Mesmerize in Belly Dance Number ‘Abdi Abdi’

In a stunning display of versatility and dedication, actresses Kalyani Priyadarshan and Krithi Shetty have transformed into sensuous belly dancers for the recently released song “Abdi Abdi” from the upcoming Tamil fantasy film Genie. The track, composed by Oscar-winning maestro A.R. Rahman and released on October 8, 2025, has already set social media ablaze, showcasing both actresses in a never-before-seen avatar that marks a bold departure from their usual on-screen personas.

A Dance Number That’s Breaking the Internet

The five-minute video song “Abdi Abdi” dropped on Tuesday evening to an overwhelming response from fans and critics alike. Set against opulent Arabian Nights-inspired visuals, the track features Kalyani Priyadarshan and Krithi Shetty delivering a mesmerizing belly dance performance alongside lead actor Ravi Mohan, who plays the titular Genie character.

What makes this song particularly noteworthy is the dramatic transformation both actresses have undergone. Kalyani Priyadarshan, fresh from her blockbuster success with the Malayalam superhero film “Lokah,” has traditionally steered clear of glamorous roles throughout her career. Meanwhile, Krithi Shetty, known for her girl-next-door charm in previous projects, showcases a confident, sensuous side that audiences haven’t witnessed before.

The choreography, intricate and demanding, showcases both actresses in elaborate costumes that suit the Middle Eastern theme perfectly. From solo sequences that highlight their individual dancing prowess to perfectly synchronized duets that demonstrate their chemistry, “Abdi Abdi” is a visual spectacle that celebrates both performance and style in equal measure.

Kalyani Priyadarshan: “Worked Super Hard and Tried Something New”

For Kalyani Priyadarshan, participating in “Abdi Abdi” represented stepping far outside her comfort zone. The actress, who has built her career on versatile performances while generally avoiding overtly glamorous roles, embraced this challenge with characteristic determination.

Before the song’s release, Kalyani Priyadarshan shared her thoughts on Instagram, revealing the challenges she faced while preparing for the number. “As an actor, I always try to push and challenge myself to do things I’ve never done before. This song was one of those moments,” she wrote candidly.

She continued: “When our director Bhuvanesh told me about it, I was amazed at how nicely he made such a commercial musical piece into a real and important part of Genie’s story. I can’t wait for you all to see it in the film – the reasons behind it are so powerful!”

The actress’s commitment to the role is evident in every frame of the video. Despite having no prior experience with belly dancing, Kalyani Priyadarshan worked intensively with choreographers to master the complex movements, undulations, and hip articulations that define the dance form. Her performance showcases not just technical proficiency but also the confidence and stage presence required to carry off such a bold number.

Coming on the heels of “Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra,” which is reportedly nearing the Rs 300 crore milestone at the box office and is poised to become the first Malayalam film ever to achieve this feat, Kalyani Priyadarshan’s involvement in “Abdi Abdi” demonstrates her willingness to take creative risks and explore different facets of her artistry.

Krithi Shetty: Embracing the Challenge of Belly Dance

Krithi Shetty approached the belly dance sequence with equal enthusiasm and dedication, viewing it as both a professional challenge and a personal thrill. In interviews following the song’s release, the young actress spoke openly about her preparation process and the excitement she felt when she first learned about the dance number.

“I was super thrilled when I found out about this belly dance situation in the movie because as we know, the ‘Genie’ is a Middle Eastern concept, a character that we’ve seen in the Arabian Nights. So belly dance being in the film was so accurate,” Krithi Shetty explained. “And that’s why it actually leads up to a situation where there’s belly dance and I was personally very excited because I love dancing and this gave me [an opportunity to try something new].”

However, learning the complex art form proved no easy feat, especially given her packed filming schedule. Krithi Shetty had to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, fitting in intensive training sessions between shoots. The rigorous preparation involved not just mastering belly dance’s signature movements but also building the core strength and flexibility required to execute the choreography flawlessly.

“I had to take time out from my busy schedule to train for this,” she revealed. “It required months of practice to get the movements right, to understand the nuances of belly dance, and to build the stamina needed for such an intense performance.”

The effort is clearly visible in the final product. Krithi Shetty’s transformation in “Abdi Abdi” is nothing short of remarkable, showcasing a side of her talent that will likely open up new opportunities and challenge perceptions about her range as an actress.

The Magic of A.R. Rahman’s Composition

No discussion of “Abdi Abdi” would be complete without acknowledging the musical genius behind it. A.R. Rahman, the two-time Oscar winner who needs no introduction, has crafted a composition that perfectly captures the Middle Eastern aesthetic while incorporating his signature layered soundscape.

The song features vocals by Maysaa Karaa and Deepthi Suresh, whose voices blend seamlessly to create an enchanting auditory experience. The lyrics, penned by Mashook Rahman, add poetic depth to the number, while rapper Freek contributes a dynamic rap section that gives the track a contemporary edge.

What makes Rahman’s composition particularly interesting is how it balances commercial appeal with artistic integrity. The infectious rhythm makes “Abdi Abdi” instantly catchy, while the rich orchestration and subtle classical touches—particularly evident in the song’s closing moments—demonstrate the composer’s commitment to musical excellence.

This marks the fourth collaboration between A.R. Rahman and lead actor Ravi Mohan, following their work together on “Ponniyin Selvan: Part I” (2022), “Ponniyin Selvan: Part II” (2023), and “Kadhalikka Neramillai.” The continued partnership between these two artists has clearly resulted in creative chemistry that benefits projects like Genie.

The Genie Connection: A Twist on the Classic Tale

While “Abdi Abdi” doesn’t reveal extensive plot details about Genie, it does hint at an intriguing twist on the traditional genie narrative. Unlike the wish-granting magical beings familiar from Arabian Nights tales like Aladdin, Ravi Mohan’s Genie character appears to be one who gives orders rather than takes them.

The song’s visuals suggest that the two female leads are performing at the Genie’s command, with the video concluding with Ravi Mohan’s character making both Kalyani Priyadarshan and Krithi Shetty levitate in the air before the screen fades to the movie’s title. This inversion of the classic genie dynamic promises a fresh take on the fantasy genre.

Directed by debutant Bhuvanesh Arjunan (also known as Arjunan Jr.), a former associate of acclaimed director Mysskin, Genie is produced by Ishari K. Ganesh under the Vels Film International banner. The film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi and veteran actress Devayani in significant roles.

Interestingly, in a recent interview, director Arjunan revealed that Genie was originally written for legendary actor Kamal Haasan. The filmmaker spent three years trying to reach Haasan with the script, but as a first-time director, he never managed to secure a meeting. Eventually, after Vels Film International’s planned collaboration with Haasan fell through due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project found its way to Ravi Mohan (also known as Jayam Ravi in some circles).

The Technical Brilliance Behind the Visuals

The stunning visuals that bring “Abdi Abdi” to life are the result of meticulous technical work by a talented crew. Cinematographer Mahesh Muthuswami has captured the elaborate sets, intricate costumes, and complex choreography with a keen eye for detail, using lighting and camera angles to enhance the song’s sensuality without crossing into vulgarity.

The production design transports viewers to a fantastical Middle Eastern setting, complete with ornate decorations, luxurious fabrics, and atmospheric lighting that creates an otherworldly ambiance. The costume design deserves special mention—both Kalyani Priyadarshan and Krithi Shetty wear elaborate outfits adorned with sequins, beads, and flowing fabrics that move beautifully with their dance movements while remaining tasteful.

The editing by Pradeep E. Ragav ensures that the song maintains its energy throughout its five-minute runtime, cutting seamlessly between the two actresses’ solo moments and their synchronized sequences with Ravi Mohan.

Fan Reactions: A Mixed But Mostly Positive Response

Since its release, “Abdi Abdi” has dominated social media conversations, with fans sharing clips, creating reaction videos, and debating various aspects of the song. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, though not without some mixed reactions regarding Kalyani Priyadarshan’s departure from her usual image.

Many fans have expressed pleasant surprise at Kalyani Priyadarshan’s dancing abilities. Comments praising her performance have flooded social media platforms, with viewers noting that while they expected Krithi Shetty to deliver a strong performance, Kalyani’s transformation exceeded expectations. “Kalyani is stunningly gorgeous in this song,” wrote one fan. “I never expected her to pull off belly dance so well!”

Others have celebrated seeing both actresses step outside their comfort zones. “This is what versatility looks like,” commented one Twitter user. “Both Kalyani and Krithi proved they can handle any challenge thrown at them.”

However, some longtime fans of Kalyani Priyadarshan, who appreciated her decision to avoid overtly glamorous roles throughout her career, have expressed concern about this departure. These critics worry that the actress might be pressured to take on more such roles in the future, potentially typecast in ways that don’t showcase her dramatic abilities.

The debate highlights the double standard often faced by actresses in Indian cinema, where choices about on-screen image and glamour quotient remain subjects of intense scrutiny and judgment.

The Broader Context: Breaking Stereotypes

What makes “Abdi Abdi” culturally significant beyond its entertainment value is how it challenges stereotypes about actresses and the kinds of roles they can or should play. Both Kalyani Priyadarshan and Krithi Shetty have demonstrated that actors can be versatile, taking on diverse projects without being pigeonholed into a single image.

For Kalyani Priyadarshan, the journey from playing India’s first on-screen superwoman in “Lokah” to performing a sensuous belly dance number in “Abdi Abdi” showcases remarkable range. Similarly, Krithi Shetty’s evolution from the innocent girl-next-door characters that launched her career to the confident performer in this song demonstrates growth and willingness to take creative risks.

This versatility is essential for long-term career sustainability in an industry where actresses often face shorter career spans than their male counterparts. By proving they can handle action, drama, comedy, and now elaborate dance sequences with equal aplomb, both actresses are positioning themselves for continued success.

What to Expect from Genie

Based on various reports and the hints dropped in “Abdi Abdi,” Genie promises to be a fantasy entertainer with a difference. Director Bhuvanesh Arjunan has described it as a fantasy film with grounded emotions, suggesting that beneath the magical realism and spectacular visuals lies a story with genuine emotional depth.

The film is being produced as a multi-language project, with releases planned in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. This pan-India approach reflects the industry’s current trend toward creating content that transcends regional boundaries, especially for big-budget fantasy films with star power and technical excellence.

While an official release date is yet to be announced, industry buzz suggests the film may release around March 2025, potentially setting up a box office clash with other major releases. Given the excitement generated by just the first single, anticipation for Genie is already building to a crescendo.

The Lasting Impact

As “Abdi Abdi” continues to rack up views and dominate trending lists across platforms, its impact extends beyond mere entertainment. The song represents a moment where two talented actresses decided to push their boundaries, trust their director’s vision, and deliver performances that surprised even their most ardent fans.

For Kalyani Priyadarshan and Krithi Shetty, “Abdi Abdi” will likely be remembered as a career-defining moment—a bold choice that showcased their versatility, dedication, and willingness to evolve as artists. Whether it opens up new opportunities for similar roles or simply stands as proof of their range, only time will tell.

What’s certain is that “Abdi Abdi” has succeeded in its primary goal: creating buzz for Genie while establishing both actresses as performers who refuse to be limited by expectations or stereotypes. As the film’s release approaches, this song will serve as a tantalizing preview of the visual spectacle and entertainment value audiences can expect from the complete project.

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