'The Raja Saab': Malavika Mohanan says destiny led her to Prabhas after missing 'Salaar'

Malavika Mohanan feels that life moved her in the right way. Ahead of the release of 'The Raja Saab', she opened up about her journey. The actress shared how she almost became part of 'Salaar'. She said she was in talks with director Prashanth Neel for 'Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire'. At that time, she felt excited and hopeful. But things did not go as planned. Still, she now feels everything happened for a reason. She truly believes destiny played its part in her career.

Meeting Prashanth Neel and early talks

Speaking to Filmy Focus, Malavika Mohanan shared how it all started. She said, “A few months after Master was released, I received a call saying that Prashanth Neel sir was making a film with Prabhas sir and wanted to meet me. I went to Bengaluru, where Prashanth sir took photos of me himself, not as a photoshoot, but just to see how I looked in Indian attire and in western attire.” She explained that everything felt right at that moment. The meeting went well, and she felt positive about the project.

Destiny brings her back to Prabhas

Malavika then spoke about how things changed later. She said, “Everything went well; it was all good. However, for some reason, it did not work out. I felt a bit underwhelmed because not many people get a chance to act with a star like Prabhas.” She added that after a few months, she got another call. “But after a few months, I received another call saying it was for a Prabhas film. I said, ‘I thought that was already cast.’ Then they told me this was for another movie. I feel like it was destiny that my debut had to be with Prabhas sir.”

Love and respect at pre-release event

At the pre-release event of 'The Raja Saab', Malavika Mohanan came on stage with joy. She greeted the fans and said the day meant a lot to her. She shared her love for Prabhas in her own sweet way. She said, “Fans ki aayna, Darling! Fans ki aayna, Rebel God! Naaku maatram, Raja Sahib!” Calling him one of the sweetest people, she added, “Prabhas sir, it has been an absolute honour sharing the screen with you and getting to know you as a person. You are one of the sweetest people I have ever worked with. Thank you, truly, thank you for that.” Prabhas also praised her warmly and said, “Tall, beautiful, with beautiful eyes.”

'The Raja Saab' stars Prabhas and Malavika Mohanan and is set to release on January 9, 2026, during Sankranti.

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here