Actress Malavika Mohanan, who starred alongside Tamil superstar Dhanush in the 2022 action thriller 'Maaran,' recently opened up about the invaluable acting lessons she learned from him. In a candid conversation, she highlighted the technical nuances of acting that Dhanush helped her master.
Malavika Mohanan on the Technical Side of Acting
Speaking with Variety India, Malavika Mohanan emphasized that acting is not just about raw talent but also about understanding the technicalities of the craft. She stated, 'From Dhanush, I learned so much about the technicality of acting. Acting is such a technical game; you could be a good actor, but if you don't know how to play with the camera or how to register emotions on camera, then it's a moot exercise.' According to her, knowing how to interact with the camera is what elevates a performer from good to great.
Learning to 'Romance the Camera'
Malavika further elaborated on how Dhanush guided her in using her expressions effectively on screen. 'He taught me how to 'romance the camera,' how to use my eyes, angle my face for certain emotions, and even how to perform differently for 48 frames instead of 24,' she shared. This technical knowledge, she noted, made a significant difference in her performance.
A Scene That Changed Her Perspective
During the interview, Malavika recalled a specific crying scene that transformed her approach to acting. She explained, 'I remember doing a scene in a police station where I was crying in a loud, grotesque manner. But because the shot was in slow motion, it looked distracting on playback. And Dhanush was like, 'No, it's not working. Why don't you internalize the crying?' He asked me to make it tighter and more restrained, and then the shot looked so much better.' She added that such small technical adjustments, which she learned from Dhanush, greatly prepared her as an actor.
Upcoming Projects
On the work front, Malavika Mohanan is currently busy with her upcoming Tamil film tentatively titled 'Pocket Novel,' co-starring Vijay Sethupathi. She will also be seen in 'Sardar 2,' sharing screen space with actor Karthi. Fans eagerly await her performances in these projects.
