EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Malavika Mohanan spills the beans on working with Prabhas in The Raja Saab; ‘After the success of Kalki…’

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Malavika Mohanan spills the beans on working with Prabhas in The Raja Saab; ‘After the success of Kalki…’

As a lifestyle expert with a keen eye for talent and a deep appreciation for authentic performances, I must say that Malavika Mohanan is undeniably making waves in the industry. Her unique ability to transform herself for each role, as evidenced by her intense preparation for The Raja Saab, showcases her dedication and versatility as an actress.


Malavika Mohanan, who’s garnering praise for her strong portrayal in the film “Thangalaan” alongside Chiyaan Vikram, has revealed details about her upcoming project with Prabhas. In an exclusive chat with TopMob, the actress opened up about her experience working on “The Raja Saab” and shared insights into her role.

1. What character are you portraying in Prabhas’ movie “The Raja Saab”? Could you tell me a bit about it and its significance to the plot?

Malavika Mohanan: I started collaborating with Prabhas on the project Raja Saab prior to the release of Kalki. Even back then, he was remarkably humble, a trait that hasn’t wavered since. Post the success of Kalki, his earthy demeanor persists, if anything, amplified by his increased happiness and enthusiasm for his work.

His vibrant energy on set is contagious, and it becomes even more potent following Kalki. He’s incredibly friendly, and collaborating with him made my debut in the Telugu industry an unforgettable experience. The entire team has been encouraging, and we’ve had numerous moments of laughter during filming, which I think will be evident in the final product.

2. In the movie “Thangalaan,” your character requires a significant transformation, including potential changes to your appearance and even your skin. At any moment during the production of the film, did you have doubts or concerns about the role and how difficult it might become?

In a bit of a time crunch due to scheduling issues, Malavika Mohanan ended up joining the film at the eleventh hour. By the time they contacted her, the project was almost set to begin filming. After spending just a few days on set, director Ranjith recognized that the role demanded extensive physical and emotional preparation. Consequently, they rearranged the schedule, and Mohanan embarked on an intense training regimen. This included mastering Sillambam, an ancient Tamil martial art involving stick fighting, as well as other strenuous exercises such as gymnastics.

My primary goal was to truly embody the character by perfecting her physical appearance, as I believed that getting the look right would put me halfway towards my goal. The transformation process was demanding, and there were instances when the strain on my skin left me wondering if I was overdoing it. However, I recognized that this role demanded such commitment, and I was resolute in facing the challenge head-on.

The role I’m playing is unlike anything I’ve tackled before, which spurred me to take on every hurdle that came my way. Watching the finished product unfold on screen made all the tough times worth it. Once I had nailed the physical aspects of the character, I faced a greater challenge: letting go of my urban poise and developing a raw, primal body language. This was the true test—altering my stance, movements, and even my behavior on set to truly embody the character’s very soul.

Malavika Mohanan is about to appear in two upcoming films: “The Raja Saab” with Prabhas and Nidhhi Agerwal, and she’ll also take the lead role in “Yudhra” along with Siddhanth Chaturvedi.

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2024-08-24 12:37