Actress Malavika Mohanan, 32, is back on screen with her new Malayalam film Hridayapoorvam. The movie pairs her with superstar Mohanlal, 65, and is directed by veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad. Released on August 28, 2025, the film marks the reunion of Mohanlal and Sathyan after almost a decade. However, the movie also created buzz for another reason – the big age gap between the lead stars.
Malavika defends working with Mohanlal
Talking about the chatter, Malavika explained that she never saw the age difference as an issue. Instead, she felt honoured to share screen space with one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema. She said working with Mohanlal was a “huge learning experience” because his craft, dedication, and presence on set were extraordinary.
Actress earlier called age-gap comments “immature”
This is not the first time Malavika addressed the criticism. Earlier, during promotions, she had openly called such comments “immature.” She said judging a film without even watching it is unfair. According to her, audiences should first watch the story and then decide whether the pairing feels unusual or not.
Malavika’s role in Hridayapoorvam
The actress also shared details about her character in the film. She described it as layered, emotional, and relatable. The character goes through both happy and tough phases, making it easy for the audience to connect. Malavika added that the story itself is heartwarming and offers the perfect balance of emotions and light-hearted moments.
Why Malavika chooses such projects
While speaking about her career choices, Malavika said she always looks for roles that challenge her as an actor. For her, variety is very important, whether it is a strong dramatic role or a lighter performance. She believes experimenting with diverse characters helps her grow and keeps her away from being typecast.
Age gap in Indian cinema – not a new debate
The age gap debate is not new in Indian cinema. For decades, actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, and Chiranjeevi have been paired with actresses much younger than them. While some see it as normal in the industry, others feel it highlights the lack of opportunities for older women actors. Malavika, however, wants audiences to focus more on the story and performances rather than just the numbers.
Conclusion
Malavika Mohanan’s response to the age-gap chatter shows her maturity and respect for cinema. For her, working with Mohanlal in Hridayapoorvam was more about learning and storytelling than worrying about criticism. The debate around age differences in films will likely continue, but Malavika hopes the audience judges the movie based on its emotional value and performances.
FAQs
Who is the lead actress in Hridayapoorvam?
Malavika Mohanan plays the lead actress opposite Mohanlal.
What is the age difference between Malavika and Mohanlal?
There is an age gap of around 33 years between the two stars.
How did Malavika react to age-gap criticism?
She called the comments “immature” and asked people to watch the film before passing judgment.
Who directed Hridayapoorvam?
The film is directed by veteran Malayalam filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad.
When was Hridayapoorvam released?
The movie was released on August 28, 2025.