Malavika Mohanan, a rising star in both South and Hindi film industries, is creating a space for herself with her selective and impactful film choices. From her Bollywood debut in Majid Majidi’s Beyond the Clouds to her recent films like Thangalan and Yudhra, Malavika’s career is on a steady upward trajectory. The daughter of a well-known cinematographer, she stumbled upon acting by chance when South superstar Mammootty offered her a role on her father’s set, and since then, she has never looked back.
In an interview, she opened up about her experiences in the industry, her approach to film roles, and how she handles social media trolls with a sense of humor, thanks to her best friend.
No Plans, Just Passion: Malavika’s Film Choices
Malavika’s career path might seem like a well-planned journey, but she reveals that it wasn’t as structured. “The nature of our industry is such that we can’t always plan out our career in advance,” she says. Born to Malayali parents and raised in Mumbai, Malavika has been exposed to a variety of films, not just Hindi or South Indian cinema. This exposure allowed her to explore different industries without being tied to one.
While Malavika’s debut in Majid Majidi’s Beyond the Clouds was critically acclaimed, she hasn’t been seen much in Hindi films since. “I’ve received many offers in Hindi, but I’m very selective. I don’t take up roles just because there’s a big hero involved. The story and the character must resonate with me,” she explains. This choosy approach reflects her deep desire to work on projects she enjoys and finds meaningful.
Her selective nature led her to focus on South films for a while, but Malavika is now gearing up for her Telugu debut opposite Prabhas. “I wanted my entry into Telugu cinema to be big, and after waiting, I feel I’ve found the right project,” she adds. With films like Yudhra in Hindi and the success of Thangalan in Tamil, she’s happy with the trajectory of her career.
The Challenges of Being a Woman in the Industry
Despite her success, Malavika admits that being a woman in the industry comes with its challenges. One thing that bothers her the most is the power dynamics. “If you’re friendly, it’s often interpreted the wrong way. But if you’re reserved, you’re seen as having an attitude. It’s difficult to strike a balance,” she shares. She points out how women are still treated unequally in many aspects of society, and the film industry is no exception.
She stresses the importance of grassroots change to achieve true equality. “If we want to see real change, it has to start with how people think. Equality for women needs to be realized at every level,” she says.
Handling Trolls with Humor and a Strong Support System
In today’s digital age, social media plays a huge role in shaping a celebrity’s image. Malavika, who is quite active on platforms like Instagram, admits that social media is a double-edged sword. While it offers a platform for people to showcase their talents, it also brings trolls who can be harsh and hurtful.
However, Malavika has a simple approach to dealing with trolls: she ignores them. “I don’t read the comments at all,” she says with a laugh. Interestingly, her best friend loves reading the comments and often shares the funniest ones in their group chat. “She enjoys it more than I do! But for me, I don’t pay much attention to it,” she adds.
Malavika believes that if social media is used to showcase one’s work and talent, it can be a great tool. But for those still trying to find their ground, it can be challenging to deal with the negativity that often comes with online fame.
Looks Are Important, But Performance Is Key
In her recent film Thangalan, Malavika sported a completely different look, one that was far from the glamorous image often associated with female actors. For her, taking on such a role wasn’t about worrying how she’d look on screen but about how effectively she could portray the character. “I never felt insecure about how I’d look. For me, it was about being believable in the role,” she says.
Malavika also points out that looks alone can’t sustain an actor’s career in the long run. “My favorite actresses like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit are remembered not just for their looks but for their performances. I want to be known for the same,” she adds. In Thangalan, she embraced the physical challenges of the role, from wearing heavy costumes to performing stunts without slippers, often leading to injuries.
Hard Work and Dedication Behind the Scenes
Malavika’s journey hasn’t been easy, and she’s had to put in long hours to perfect her craft. For Thangalan, she recalls waking up at 3 AM and spending hours getting ready on set, with the makeup, costume, and wigs taking nearly five hours. Despite the hard work, she enjoyed the challenge and was committed to delivering her best.
Through her selective approach, dedication to her roles, and handling the challenges that come her way, Malavika Mohanan is building a career based on talent, hard work, and a deep passion for cinema. As she continues to take on new projects across different industries, she remains an inspiration for young actors who aspire to make it big on their own terms.
