Malavika Mohanan slams pretend feminism and gender bias in film industry

Actor Malavika Mohanan has openly criticised the persistent gender inequality in the film industry and slammed male actors who she says wear a “mask” of feminism for public appearances. 

Speaking to Hauterrfly, the Master actor said the problem of misogyny in cinema has never truly ended — it has only become more disguised.

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“Hypocrisy at its worst,” says Malavika

Malavika alleged that in the last 5–6 years, several male actors have learned the right things to say to appear progressive, but behind the scenes, revert to regressive behaviour.

“They know exactly what lines to say that make them come across like a feminist… I have seen them go back from the public eye and become the most misogynistic person ever. It’s hypocrisy,” she said.

Talks about South cinema’s fixation on navels

Highlighting another issue, Malavika pointed out the South Indian film industry's obsession with women’s navels. “It was a completely new phenomenon for me… you’d see pictures of actresses on social media, where they zoom into their bodies. Navel obsession is a very real thing,” she said.

What’s next for Malavika Mohanan

Malavika is set to appear in The Raja Saab alongside Prabhas, Nidhhi Agerwal and Riddhi Kumar. The film, which began production in 2022, was officially announced in 2024. She will also be seen in Sardar 2 with Karthi and Hridayapoorvam, where she will share the screen with Mohanlal for the first time.

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Since her debut in 2013 with Pattam Pole, Malavika has built a career across Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi films, earning critical acclaim for roles in Beyond the Clouds, The Great Father, Petta, and Master.