Malavika Mohanan: ‘Navel obsession is real in South India’

In a candid interview, actress Malavika Mohanan opened up about the prevalent objectification of female bodies in South Indian cinema and her personal experiences with body shaming early in her career.​

Malavika highlighted the industry’s focus on certain physical attributes, stating, “Navel obsession is a very real thing.”

She expressed her surprise at this cultural phenomenon, noting that growing up in Mumbai, she was unaccustomed to such specific aesthetic fixations. She observed that in South Indian films, there’s a noticeable emphasis on showcasing the navels of female actors, which she found perplexing upon entering the industry. ​

Telugus prefer curvaceous heroines

Malavika also discussed the varying beauty ideals across different Indian film industries. She noted that while Bollywood tends to favor a fit, tall, and slender appearance, Tamil and Telugu cinemas often prefer a curvier physique.

In Malayalam cinema, during her early career, the preference leaned towards more voluptuous figures, leading to her being trolled for her slimness. She highlighted how these differing standards influenced the feedback she received, with some suggesting she looked better when she had gained a bit more weight. ​

Body shaming

Reflecting on her early days in cinema, Malavika recalled facing harsh criticism for her slender physique.

At 21, during her debut, she was subjected to derogatory comments, with people labeling her as “skin on bones” and suggesting she “go get some weight.” She emphasized the detrimental impact such comments can have on young individuals, stating that body shaming at an impressionable age is a form of bullying that can severely affect one’s self-esteem. ​

Upcoming Projects Malavika is set to appear in several films across various languages. She will star alongside Prabhas in the Telugu film “The Raja Saab,” feature in the Tamil movie “Sardar 2” with Karthi, and take on a role in the Malayalam film “Hridayapoorvam.”