Malavika Nair, who began her acting career as a child artist with the Malayalam film Ustad Hotel, is making waves again with her Kannada debut in Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi. Having already established her talent in Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil cinema, Malavika makes a milestone with Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi. It is her 25th film.
“It’s truly special for many reasons,” Malavika says. “My grandmother speaks a bit of Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam, but I never had the chance to learn Kannada myself. Now, I finally get to speak and understand the language. Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi is a soulful film, and although it has some literary connections that I can’t fully discuss, it’s been a wonderful experience. I was surprised when director Srinivas Raju (known for his work on Dandupalya) approached me with a love story, something that I did not expect from him. The film captures the essence of love in a way that’s both creative and touching. Kannada audiences are always open to romantic genres, especially with actors like Ganesh involved.”
Reflecting on why some actors, especially heroines, turn to Kannada films after working in other languages, Malavika shares, “When preparing for Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi, I didn’t think of it as just a Kannada film. It was the story that drew me in. Every actor is influenced by the story, not necessarily the language. Some may have aspirations across South Indian cinema, Bollywood, or even Hollywood. For me, it’s always about following my heart. I cannot commit to a film unless I truly connect with it. If I do, I approach it with reverence and joy.”
Malavika describes the film as a romantic comedy with family elements, exploring the emotional ups and downs of love that transcend generations. “The story is timeless, reflecting the complexities of love that have been around since my grandparents' time,” she explains.
Regarding her role and working experience, Malavika notes, “The director’s vision is paramount. As actors, we align with that vision to the best of our abilities. Srinivas Raju saw something in my previous Telugu film and suggested a complete makeover for my character in Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi. Although my role is not entirely new, it’s fresh in its own way. I play a pure and divine character, and everything I did in the film was meant to be elegant and refined. I hope director Srinivas Raju is pleased with my performance," she says.