Actress Malavika Mohanan, who recently appeared in the Prabhas-starrer film 'The Raja Saab', has opened up about her aspirations to work with acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli. The actress, known for her work in multiple South Indian projects, praised Rajamouli for crafting powerful and substantive roles for women in his cinematic universe.
Dream Roles: Warriors, Princesses, and Queens
In a recent conversation, Malavika Mohanan shared her fascination with historical and mythological narratives. She expressed a strong desire to portray characters like warriors, princesses, or queens on screen. Her interest lies in roles that are deeply rooted in India's rich past, offering both complexity and strength.
Why SS Rajamouli Tops Her Collaboration Wishlist
When discussing directors she wishes to work with, Malavika Mohanan placed SS Rajamouli, the visionary behind 'Baahubali' and 'RRR', at the very top. She emphasized that her admiration goes beyond the scale of his films. "I would love to work with Rajamouli sir, not just because he makes big films, but because he writes strong female characters," she stated. She highlighted that even in a grand spectacle like 'Baahubali', the women possessed their own agency, motivations, and power, never being reduced to mere decorative elements.
Bollywood's Leading Female Filmmakers on Her Radar
Expanding her wishlist to Hindi cinema, Mohanan named several prominent female directors she would love to join hands with. She specifically mentioned Zoya Akhtar, Gauri Shinde, and Kiran Rao. Sharing her appreciation for Rao's recent work, she said, "'Laapataa Ladies' was such a beautifully made film." She clearly seeks collaborations with filmmakers who have a genuine understanding and respect for female characters, ensuring they are portrayed with depth and authenticity.
Malavika Mohanan made her Bollywood debut in Majid Majidi's 'Beyond the Clouds' in 2017 and was also seen in the 2024 action thriller 'Yudhra'.
About 'The Raja Saab' and Its Box Office Performance
Her latest release, 'The Raja Saab', in which she plays the role of Bhairavi, hit theatres on January 9. Despite receiving mixed to negative reviews from critics, the film has performed robustly at the box office. As per industry tracker Sacnilk, the film has collected approximately Rs 108 crore in India. Its worldwide earnings have crossed an impressive Rs 161 crore, proving its commercial appeal among audiences.
