Seems like Mrunal Thakur is finally getting the recognition she deserves. The talented 31-year-old actress who featured opposite Hrithik Roshan in “Super 30” has enamoured the entire South cinema. With just two films in South Indian languages released until now, The Beautiful Belle captured the viewers’ attention, and how! Unfortunately, Bollywood couldn’t take advantage of this powerhouse.

TV Soaps and Films in Hindi

Mrunal Thakur is not new to acting and has many Hindi serials and films to her credit. She appeared for a long time on “Kumkum Bhagya” and “Mujhse Kuchh Kehti…Yeh Khamoshiyaan,” among many others. Even in the OTT space, you may have caught her in Netflix’s “Ghost Stories” and “Lust Stories 2.” She received her first Filmfare for her debut short film “Jahaan.”

Already an established TV personality, Mrunal took the step towards the silver screen with 2018’s “Love Sonia.” Since her debut, she has always made it a point to choose unconventional roles over “dance-around-the-trees” kind of characters. She shared screen space with Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, and John Abraham in “Selfiee,” “Jersey,” and “Batla House,” respectively. And yet, she has not gotten the recognition she commands. Enter the South. 

Soul-Touching Performance

The 2022 release “Sita Ramam,” became a turning point in her career. The Telugu language film is a romantic period drama featuring Dulquer Salmaan. Mrunal Thakur, a Marathi Mulgi, managed to secure a spot in the hearts of the Telugu audience. The earnest love story shot her fame as a poignant performer after almost a dozen films in the North belt. 

The recently released “Hi Nanna,” with Nani in the lead, is released in Hindi as “Hi Papa.” Here, too, there are no needless dancing acts, but heartwarming performances by both protagonists. Currently, the internet cannot stop gushing about Mrunal. Forget “National Crush” titles that name a different actress every week, the South is besotted with the Thakur lass.

Saying “No to Flowerpot Roles”

One thing common in both these films is how the heroine is shown. The camera pans mythically over Mrunal — not in your typical “male gaze,” mind you — but delicately and gracefully. In both the introduction scenes, a type of mystery is created around the character, with both male leads talking or describing her. And the viewers know exactly what they can anticipate!

With a lilting score playing in the backdrop, the shot makes way for her entry, many minutes into the film. These scenes, elevated by Mrunal’s expressive eyes gently channelling romance, set the tone of the film. That’s how you showcase a true performer! It is aspirational and in contrast to the common “flowerpot” roles.

Mrunal Thakur Confesses Such Roles Are Rare

What many acclaimed directors of Hindi films have failed to give Mrunal, the Telugu and Tamil film industry showered on her. But those roles are hard to come by, Mrunal Thakur agrees. “Yes, it is tricky. For a long time I didn’t sign any film. It was important for me to believe in a character and a story,” she said. And when she does find such roles, she delivers standout scenes. Mrunal has one more Telugu film “Family Star” lined up, headlined by Vijay Devarakonda.