Malavika replaces Deepika Padukone
The south Indian actress will make her international debut with Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Beyond The Clouds
Malavika Mohanan, daughter of celebrated cinematographer KU Mohanan, has primarily acted in a handful of Malayalam ventures. After her Malayalam flick, The Great Father, also starring Mammootty, Arya and Sneha, the three-film actress has now managed to impress the maverick Iranian director Majid Majidi — and has been cast in his latest!
The auteur earlier announced that his dream project, Beyond The Clouds, is an international project that is set in India. The film made headlines when actress Deepika Padukone was called in for a look test — and later, her pictures from the sets went viral. Reportedly, this PR stunt didn’t go down too well with the filmmaker, and that was the reason he started looking for a replacement.
Majidi then spotted Malavika and called her in for a screen-test. Impressed by her performance, he then roped her in as the leading lady in the film. A source in the know reveals, “Majidi found his leading lady in Malavika, as he was looking for a face that could fit the character.”
Speaking to Asian Age, Malavika says, “It is definitely a great opportunity to have bagged this project. At this point, I wouldn’t be able to reveal anything about my character, except that I was signed on for the role that Deepika initially auditioned for. I have already started shooting for the film in Mumbai.”
An excited Malavika adds, “I’m really excited as it’ll be my first Hindi film. It’ll also do the international circuit of film festivals, etc — and the exposure will be immense.”
As described by the makers, Beyond The Clouds is a heartwrenching story that focuses on the relationship of a brother and sister. Interestingly, the film also marks the debut of Shahid Kapoor’s brother Ishaan Khatter, who has been shooting for a month now. Also, filmmaker Goutam Ghose will play a significant role in the film produced by Zee Studios and Eyecandy Films. The music will be composed by AR Rahman.
I have been signed on for the role that Deepika auditioned for. I have already started shooting for the film.
— MALAVIKA