Mumbai: Actor Malavika Mohanan says some of the action sequences in her upcoming film Sardar 2 were physically and technically demanding, describing parts of the shoot as “nerve-wracking”. Known for steadily building a diverse filmography across Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi cinema, the actor said the project pushed her into a new performance space and tested her limits in terms of preparation and execution.
In a recent interaction, Malavika spoke about how the sequel required her to handle complex action choreography and unfamiliar staging conditions. She added that while the experience was challenging, it was also creatively fulfilling and unlike any role she has taken up so far.
A career built on varied choices
Malavika began her screen journey with the Malayalam film Pattam Pole and gained international recognition with her performance in Beyond the Clouds, directed by Majid Majidi. The film placed her on the global festival circuit and established her as a performer capable of handling layered, character-driven roles.
She later balanced content-oriented cinema with mainstream commercial entertainers. Her roles in big-banner projects such as Master, Maaran and Christy showcased different facets of her screen presence — from intense drama to romance and action-oriented storytelling.
Industry watchers note that her trajectory reflects a conscious attempt to avoid typecasting, with each project differing in tone, scale and genre. Rather than staying within one film industry or character template, she has moved across languages and formats.
Sardar 2 pushed physical and technical limits
Speaking about Sardar 2, Malavika said she is eagerly awaiting the film’s release and looks back at the shoot as one of her more demanding assignments. She highlighted that several sequences required precise coordination, rehearsals and technical awareness.
“I really enjoyed being a part of it. I shot some very cool and challenging sequences in it. Some of the action scenes, in particular, were nerve-wracking, and at times, technically challenging to pull off,” she said.
According to her, action scenes are not only about physical stamina but also about timing, camera awareness and safety coordination. She explained that even small errors in positioning or movement can affect both performance quality and on-set safety, making preparation essential.
She added that she is curious to see how the sequences translate on screen after post-production, background score and visual enhancements are added. The role, she said, stands apart from her earlier work and gave her an opportunity to explore a different performance zone.
Focus on experimentation over comfort
Malavika emphasised that she deliberately avoids repeating similar characters or genres. She said her selection process is guided by the need to experiment and grow rather than remain in a comfort zone.
“I try not to choose the same kind of roles and not to stereotype myself into one space. I do not want to be boxed. I like to experiment, challenge myself, learn during the process, and work with good directors and in good movies,” she said.
This approach has resulted in a filmography that mixes thrillers, dramas, romances and commercial entertainers. She indicated that creative satisfaction, director vision and script strength are key factors in her decisions, along with the opportunity to learn something new on each set.
Upcoming thriller with Vijay Sethupathi
Apart from Sardar 2, Malavika is also preparing for another high-profile project titled Pocket Novel, directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja. The thriller will feature her alongside Vijay Sethupathi and is expected to explore a darker, more stylised narrative space.
The project is already drawing attention due to the director’s reputation for unconventional storytelling and genre-bending cinema. For Malavika, the film represents another step in her attempt to balance mainstream visibility with distinctive scripts.
Conclusion
With Sardar 2 and Pocket Novel lined up, Malavika Mohanan continues to expand her range across genres and industries. Her remarks about nerve-wracking action scenes underline the physical and technical demands behind big-screen spectacle, while her career choices reflect a sustained push toward variety and reinvention. If her upcoming releases land well, they could further strengthen her position as one of the more versatile actors of her generation.
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