Mahima Nambiar calls Kangana Ranaut-starrer Chandramukhi 2 her dream project; praises Vadivelu: ‘No Chandramukhi without him’

Mahima Nambiar also showered praise on “Vaigai Puyal” Vadivelu, who played a pivotal role in the original Chandramukhi as well. She remarks, “There is no Chandramukhi without Vadivelu sir. Watching his performance was a visual delight. He possesses boundless talent and is a phenomenal actor. From his ability to improvise on the spot to his delivery of dialogues, everything about him is truly remarkable.”

Chandramukhi 2 is a sequel to the 2005 film Chandramukhi, which starred Jyotika and Rajinikanth. Both the films have been helmed by P Vasu. The film will hit screens on September 28 in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada languages.

Watch Chandramukhi 2 trailer here:

Although Mahima, a Keralite by birth, marked her debut on-screen in 2010 through the Malayalam comedy drama Kaaryasthan, she has thus far appeared in only four Malayalam films. Conversely, she has been part of 14 projects in the Tamil film industry since her debut there in 2012 with the movie Saattai. 

When questioned about whether her break was intentional, Mahima replies: “My most recent appearance in Malayalam was in Madhura Raja (2019), wherein I played actor Jay’s pair. Following its release, I received numerous offers, but they all were supporting roles or small characters. By then I had resolved that my next venture in Malayalam should encompass a role that maintains a presence throughout the film. Hence, I took a break since I wasn’t getting such roles and, in the meantime, I immersed myself in Tamil films.”

“It was during this time that I was approached for RDX. The very title of the film was captivating, prompting me to immediately accept the role. Given that RDX refers to an explosive substance, I was confident that the film would deliver an explosive impact on screen,” she adds.

Mahima also possesses a remarkable skill set that includes effortlessly switching between different Malayalam dialects, including the challenging Kasargod and Kannur variations, as well as a more region-neutral form. Despite not having a strong command of Tamil during her debut project there, Mahima has since become proficient in that as well.

Hailing originally from Kannur, Mahima shared that their family moved to Kasargod when her mother secured a job at a school there. “That’s how I became proficient in both variations of the language, and I can even converse in the Nileshwaram dialect,” she mentions.

Reflecting on her experience in her first Tamil film, Saattai, Mahima admitted to having no prior knowledge of Tamil and even struggled with basic conversations. “I have a vivid recollection of my initial shot with Samuthirakani sir. My lack of proficiency in Tamil caused me to become quite anxious, leading to a moment where I even blanked on my lines. However, he approached me, offered reassurance, and provided invaluable guidance to improve my Tamil. Since Saattai was entirely filmed in a school, the children there also contributed to my language learning process.”

Watch Swagathaanjali song from Chandramukhi 2 here:

Attributing her ability to ace languages very quickly to the fact that she was a bright student in school, Mahima says: “After becoming fluent in spoken language, I began mastering the skills of reading and writing Tamil. I now read my own lines and scripts in Tamil. Currently, I’m also in the process of learning Telugu. In my opinion, it’s crucial for an actor to be well-versed in the language when working on a movie to fully embody the character.”

When asked about her preference between the Malayalam and Tamil film industries, Mahima expresses her equal fondness for both. Providing distinct reasons to support her stance, emphasising that it’s not a matter of diplomacy, she explains: “I’m inclined to work more in the Malayalam industry because it’s currently producing exceptional content, and Malayalam cinema is gaining international recognition. Many filmmakers now prefer casting Malayalam actors in their projects, as evident in Jailer and Vikram. We are also witnessing a surge in innovative and experimental films.”

“On the other hand, my appreciation for the Tamil industry stems from the recognition I receive there, which I haven’t quite achieved here. However, I can’t choose between the two because they both hold a special place in my heart,” she adds.

Reflecting on her 13-year career in the film industry and contemplating the future, Mahima eloquently shares, “Throughout my career, I’ve experienced periods of inconsistency due to my lack of focus, especially during my early days when I was quite immature. I took breaks to complete my studies, which further contributed to this sporadic nature. However, in recent years, I’ve undergone a significant transformation, becoming much more dedicated to my craft. While I haven’t set specific five-year goals or elaborate plans, my primary aspiration is to portray compelling characters, regardless of their screen time. What truly matters to me is the depth and quality of the roles I undertake.”

She also pragmatically acknowledges, “I am not planning to work forever as I am aware that all actors eventually reach a saturation point. This is an inevitable reality we can’t deny. Until that point arrives, though, my intention is to continue portraying meaningful characters, whether it’s in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, or any other language. I simply aim to work for as long as I can.”