Telugu Divas Eye Mollywood For Challenging Roles

Reigning actress Anushka Shetty is all set for her Malayalam debut with the horror-fantasy Kathanar, in which she plays the mystical role of Kalliyankattu Neeli. The film, being released in two parts, revolves around the life of Kadamattathu Kathanar, a legendary 9th-century Christian priest believed to possess magical powers.

With this move, Anushka joins the league of Telugu actresses stepping into Mollywood. Tamannaah made her Malayalam debut with Bandra, while Krithi Shetty of Uppena fame shared screen space with Tovino Thomas in Ajayante Randam Moshanam. Meanwhile, Anjali won critical acclaim for her performance in Irratta.

“Language and regional barriers hardly matter anymore,” says director Hemanth Madhukar, who worked with Anushka in Nishabhdam.

He believes Anushka was drawn by the novelty of the script and the strength of her role. “She has attained a larger-than-life image on par with top heroes. By venturing into Malayalam cinema, she knows her film will also connect with Telugu audiences,” he explains.

Madhukar also recalls Anushka’s commitment during Nishabhdam. “She stood by us for three years through the Covid period and declined other offers until the film was completed. Anushka is a thorough professional, and kudos to her dedication,” he adds.

On the broader trend, he says, “Every actor loves to work in Malayalam films because they offer refreshing stories and opportunities to showcase their craft, rather than repeating themselves. Today, language is immaterial if the content is strong. Take Kantara for example—though a Kannada film, it found acceptance everywhere. This is the era of multilingual cinema, and actresses are expanding their horizons.”

With content reigning supreme, Malayalam cinema is breaking barriers and making waves on both OTT platforms and in theatres. “From Manjummel Boys to Thudaram, Malayalam movies are being embraced by non-Malayali audiences in a big way, celebrating the rise of new-age cinema. Thanks to subtitles and unique storytelling, viewers across India are now accustomed to watching Malayalam films on OTT. Malayalam cinema is truly back in the spotlight,” he concludes.