Actress Malavika Mohanan has spoken candidly about the persistent gender inequality in the film industry and has called out male actors who, despite presenting themselves as progressive, fail to practice true feminism in their real lives. In a recent interview, she expressed frustration with the hypocrisy of some of her male colleagues, stating that many have learned to present a “woke” image while continuing to hold and act on deeply misogynistic beliefs behind the scenes.
Reflecting on her experiences, Malavika remarked, “This disparity in how men and women are treated hasn’t really gone away. What has changed is that men have become more strategic. In the last five or six years, many of them have mastered the art of appearing feminist. They know exactly what to say to sound like they support equality, to present themselves as evolved and forward-thinking. But once the cameras are off and the spotlight fades, they revert to sexist, outdated behavior. It’s disheartening to see such blatant hypocrisy.”
Her comments have sparked discussions within the entertainment industry, especially as more women speak out about the subtle yet damaging forms of sexism they encounter, even from those who claim to be allies.
In terms of her professional journey, 2024 has been a busy year for Malavika. She appeared in the Tamil period action drama Thangalaan, as well as the Hindi action-thriller Yudhra. Her upcoming Telugu film The Raja Saab has generated significant buzz, as she is set to star opposite pan-India star Prabhas. The film, which began production in 2022 but was formally announced only in 2024, also features Nidhhi Agerwal and Riddhi Kumar. Rumors suggest that Sanjay Dutt will make a cameo appearance in the project, although no official confirmation has been made.
Malavika is also slated to appear in the sequel to Sardar, sharing screen space with Karthi once again. Additionally, she will be seen in the Malayalam film Hridayapoorvam, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad. This marks her first collaboration with veteran actor Mohanlal.
Recently, Hridayapoorvam became the subject of controversy on social media when a fan commented on the age difference between Mohanlal, who is 64, and Malavika, who is 31. The user criticized the film, assuming it involved a romantic plotline between the two and questioning the recurring casting of older male leads opposite much younger actresses. Malavika was quick to respond, shutting down the speculation with a pointed reply: “Who told you it’s a love interest? Stop judging people and a film with your half-baked, baseless assumptions.”
Her strong defense not only clarified the nature of her role in the film but also highlighted the tendency of the public to jump to conclusions without understanding the context or storyline.
As she continues to take on diverse roles across languages and industries, Malavika remains an outspoken voice, challenging outdated norms both onscreen and off. Her refusal to stay silent about industry double standards — especially regarding gender politics — is further establishing her as not just a versatile actor, but also an advocate for meaningful change.
