In 2003, Nayanthara began her film career without any ambitions with Sathyan Anthikkad's Manassinakkare. In 2025, having completed over 75 films, the actor has now taken to her official Instagram handle to pen a note of gratitude for having completed 22 years in the film industry.
On her Instagram story, she wrote, "22 years since I first stood in front of the camera, not knowing movies would become the love of my life. Every frame, every shot, every silence… Shaped me, healed me, and made me who I am. Forever grateful. (sic)
Having started her career in Malayalam cinema, she made her Tamil debut with Ayya in 2005. She then went on to feature in Telugu as well, with her first film in Tollywood being Lakshmi. She eventually also made her Kannada debut with Super in 2010. In 2024, she marked her 75th film with Annapoorani. She has eight other films in her pipeline at the moment.
Nayanthara is currently busy filming for Sundar C's Mookuthi Amman 2, a sequel to RJ Balaji's 2020 directorial, Mookuthi Amman. The first look of her film with Kavin, titled Hi, was unveiled on Wednesday. Her other Tamil projects include Rakkayie and Mannangatti Since 1960.
In Kannada, she is reportedly set to be seen as Yash's sister in his upcoming big-budget film, Toxic. In Telugu, she has Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu alongside actor Chiranjeevi. She is also a part of the ensemble cast of the Malayalam film Patriot, also starring Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Fahadh Faasil. Apart from these, she also has Dear Students and an untitled film with Kavin in various stages of production.