Malavika Mohanan Reveals How Rajinikanth Supported Her Early in Her Career: ‘He Gave Me So Much Confidence’

Malavika Mohanan has opened up about one of the most memorable experiences of her early career, recalling the encouragement she received from superstar Rajinikanth while working on the 2019 Tamil film Petta.

The actor, who is currently preparing for the release of Sardar 2, spoke about her experience with Rajinikanth during a recent fan interaction. For Malavika, sharing screen space with the veteran actor was more than simply an opportunity to work with one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. She said his support gave her confidence at a crucial stage of her career.

Malavika Mohanan Calls Working With Rajinikanth a Special Experience

When a fan asked Malavika about her experience of working with Rajinikanth in Petta, she described it as one of the best experiences a newcomer could hope for.

“If there’s one superstar who supports newcomers, cheers for them and openly lauds them — it’s Rajini sir,” Malavika said.

She added that Rajinikanth offered her considerable encouragement when she was still finding her feet in the industry.

“He gave me so much confidence & support at the beginning of my career itself and that’s something I cherish immensely and hold close to my heart,” she said.

Malavika appeared in Petta, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, as Poongodi, the sister of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character Singaaram. Although the role was part of an ensemble cast, the experience became an important chapter in her Tamil film journey.

From Petta to Sardar 2

Malavika has since taken on a number of different roles in Tamil cinema. She played Charulatha in Vijay-starrer Master and appeared opposite Dhanush in Maaran. In 2024, she starred alongside Vikram in Pa Ranjith’s Thangalaan.

She is now returning in a prominent role with Sardar 2, the sequel to Karthi’s 2022 spy thriller Sardar.

The upcoming film is directed by PS Mithran and reunites Karthi with the franchise while expanding its action-driven world. Malavika has indicated that her character in the sequel is considerably more action-oriented than some of her previous roles.

Malavika Says Sardar 2 Pushed Her Outside Her Comfort Zone

Speaking about her work in Sardar 2, Malavika revealed that the film required her to perform several demanding stunt sequences.

“I have done a very very action-oriented role in Sardar 2. I have done some crazy stunt sequences and pushed myself to do a lot of things I was really scared to do, because I have never done it before,” she said during another fan interaction.

The actor also revealed that she has been developing her physical skills for several years and enjoys the challenge involved in performing action sequences.

“But I love doing stunts. It’s a skillset I have been working on for a few years as well,” she added.

Her comments suggest that Sardar 2 will present audiences with a different side of Malavika, particularly after her more dramatic and character-driven performances in films such as Thangalaan.

What to Expect From Sardar 2

Sardar 2 is the sequel to the 2022 Tamil action thriller Sardar, which featured Karthi in dual roles. PS Mithran returns as director for the sequel.

The film features Karthi, Malavika Mohanan, SJ Suryah, Ashika Ranganath, Yogi Babu and Rajisha Vijayan among its cast.

The project is produced by S Lakshman Kumar and Ishan Saksena under Prince Pictures and Ivy Entertainment. With the franchise returning to theatres, Malavika’s action-heavy role adds another point of interest to the sequel.

For Malavika, however, the journey back to Tamil cinema also carries memories of where her association with the industry began. Her recollection of Rajinikanth’s encouragement in Petta offers a glimpse into the kind of support that can make a lasting impression on an actor at the beginning of a career.