Malavika Mohanan: On Choosing Meaningful Roles, Her Hridayapoorvam Journey With Mohanlal, and Why She Won’t Do Bollywood for the Sake of It
Malavika Mohanan has been making waves across Indian cinema with her fearless choices and performances that stay with the audience long after the credits roll. From working with cinema giants like Mohanlal, Mammootty, Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Dhanush, to carefully selecting scripts that resonate with her, the actress has carved a path that is uniquely her own.
On Not Doing Bollywood Films “For the Sake of It”
Despite being born in Kerala and raised in Mumbai, Malavika has become a pan-India actress with films in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu. While Bollywood often comes calling, she has been clear about her stance: she won’t do a Hindi film unless the script excites her.
“One thing I have been very particular about with my team is that I’m doing some of my best work in Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil. Doing Hindi films just for the sake of it is something I’ve always actively avoided. I say no to a lot of films because they don’t excite me,” Malavika said in an interview.
She explained that every project takes at least five months of her life, and she wants that investment to be worthwhile. “If I’m giving my time and energy to a film, it has to really matter.”
A Surreal Experience With Mohanlal in Hridayapoorvam
The turning point in Malavika’s recent career has undoubtedly been Hridayapoorvam, which released on August 25, 2025. Starring alongside Mohanlal, she described the experience as “surreal” and unforgettable.
“I grew up watching Mohanlal’s films with my parents. Even though I’ve worked with other big stars in Tamil and Telugu, it’s not the same as Mohanlal, whose films I watched as a child. Standing in front of him on set was overwhelming. I thought the awe would fade after a few days, but it never left me,” she confessed.
The film became a commercial success, earning over ₹50 crore at the box office, and further cemented her as a versatile performer.
Shutting Down Trolls and Standing Her Ground
Not one to shy away from criticism, Malavika also had to deal with online trolls when a user commented on her age gap with Mohanlal. She clapped back, clarifying: “Who told you it’s a love interest? Stop judging people and a film with your half-baked baseless assumptions.”
Her unapologetic response resonated with fans who admire her for speaking her truth.
How Master Changed Her Self-Image
Looking back, Malavika admits she wasn’t always this confident. Her breakout came in Majid Majidi’s Beyond the Clouds (2017), but it was her role opposite Vijay in Master (2021) that made her see herself differently as an actor.
She said, “Master changed my self-image. It showed me that I could hold my ground in big films, opposite big stars, and still bring something unique.”
A Multicultural Upbringing and Navigating Industries
Though she was born in Kerala, Malavika was raised in Mumbai. Her parents made sure she stayed connected to her roots by spending summers in Kerala, giving her a multicultural perspective that she says helps her as an actor.
“As an actor, you cannot be tone-deaf to cultural nuances. I’ve worked so much in Tamil now that I know their culture despite not being raised there. That’s what helps me adapt across industries,” she explained.
She also credits Mammootty for nudging her into acting. She recalls her first audition, taken by the legendary actor himself for Pattam Pole, and how surreal it felt that someone of his stature believed in her potential.
This was my first ever “audition” in my life. The magnitude of it never hit me back when it was happening, but who gets their first one taken by a legendary actor? Crazy right?
— Malavika Mohanan (@MalavikaM_) September 7, 2025
They were casting for ‘pattam pole’ at the time with Dulquer and mammukka spotted me at a set I was… pic.twitter.com/2dN2i6zynN
The Shy Star in a Public Industry
Despite her glamorous image, Malavika describes herself as a shy and private person. “At events or on set, if I don’t feel the same vibe from the people I’m with, I automatically can’t connect. I just shut off and retreat into my space,” she revealed.
It’s this blend of vulnerability and determination that makes her stand out in an industry known for its constant spotlight.
What’s Next for Malavika Mohanan?
After Hridayapoorvam, Malavika’s career graph only points upward. She will soon be seen opposite Prabhas in the much-awaited The Raja Saab, releasing during Sankranthi 2026, and later in Sardar 2 alongside Karthi.
From being a reluctant debutante to becoming one of the most sought-after actresses across industries, Malavika Mohanan’s journey is proof that authenticity, talent, and conviction go a long way in defining lasting stardom.
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