Washington, April 28 -- In a heartfelt tribute to his long-time friend and co-star, actor and director Kenneth Branagh has praised Tom Cruise as an "underestimated" actor, despite the actor's massive success in blockbuster franchises.

Cruise is set to be honoured with the British Film Institute's (BFI) highest honour, the BFI Fellowship, in recognition of his extensive contributions to the film industry, particularly in the UK.

Speaking in an interview, Branagh, who starred alongside Cruise in the 2008 war drama Valkyrie, highlighted the depth Cruise brings to his roles, which is often overshadowed by his high-octane action star image.

"He's an underestimated actor, for whom a golden age of performance beckons," Branagh said, adding th...