Malavika
Mohanan, who recently made her Telugu debut withPrabhas’ The Raja Saab, has become the center of a controversy after her remarks about fellow actresses went viral. In a widely circulated video, she stated that some heroines “do not put in the effort to learn a language” and instead rely on counting “1-2-3-4” while lip-syncing and delivering the required expressions. Her comments drew criticism online, with many netizens debating her perspective and calling out the actress for repeating what they called a “past mistake.”
Malavika Mohanan slammed for 'ridiculing' actresses
In an interview with
Galatta, Malavika said, “For a very long time, I knew of few actresses, they are not even bothered looking at the lines, all they are doing it 1-2-3-4. So in this scene you are sad, and you are saying 1-2-3-4, with the said expression. At some point, they will match the lip sync with the lines.” She hinted that they don't learn the language of films they are a part of. Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who was also part of the discussion, could be seen laughing at her explanation. However, many viewers were unhappy with her remarks about the industry.
Many viewers urged Malavika Mohanan to
reflect on her own performances, while others asked her not to mock fellow actresses. Some suggested she focus on her photoshoots rather than commenting on other actors’ work. A section of internet users defended her, arguing she has the right to share her views as a member of the audience.
One post read, "Everyone have their rights as an audience to criticise a product or a process despite of how good they are at it no? So what’s the problem here?"
Responding to this, a user on X wrote, "She’s still a rookie in her career and should BE MINDFUL of what she speaks!" Another said, "An audience
adhu okay, as an artist also if she’s constantly digging at other actresses despite knowing how badly women are written in our films then she's at fault. And
adhu thapu ilane vechikonga, still if she can critic, people can also comment on her critic right? Ntg wrong."
A fan asked her not to mock others and focus on herself first: "See what this ‘National Award’ winning Malavika Mohanan says
Namake Nadipu Varaathu, Naama Mathavangala Pathi Pesalama."Some users agreed with her perspective, noting, "What’s wrong in this? She is stating actual facts. Heroines like Kajal Agarwal, Tamanna, Hansika never get lipping right. They have been using these techniques for a long time."
Malavika Mohanan's controversial comments on Nayanthara
Taking an indirect dig on
Nayanthara, Malavika Mohanan commented in an interview on a hospital scene in a film, saying the actress appeared with “flawless makeup,” which she felt was unrealistic. Although she did not name anyone, fans speculated her remark referred to Nayanthara’s hospital scene in
Raja Rani. The comment sparked debate online, with some defending Nayanthara and others agreeing with Malavika. Responding to the controversy,
Nayanthara stated that she remains focused on her work and pays little attention to outside opinions.
Malavika Mohanan has not yet addressed the backlash following her recent statements.