Apr 30, 2026 1:59pm IST
Mamitha Baiju on ‘Premalu’ Stardom, ‘Kara’ and Glorious Line-Up: ‘I’m Still Figuring It Out One Film at a Time’ (EXCLUSIVE)
For Mamitha Baiju, the journey from a low-key debut to overnight sensation has been anything but linear. She first appeared in "Sarvopari Palakkaran" in 2017, followed by quietly confident turns in films like "Super Sharanya" and "Kho Kho," gradually building a reputation within Malayalam cinema. But it was "Premalu" that changed everything, catapulting her beyond Kerala and into a wider pop-cultural spotlight. The film didn’t just amplify her visibility; it reshaped audience expectations and positioned her as one of the most relatable young faces on screen today.
Same, but different
“Of course, it’s not the same after “Premalu”. It’s much busier, and I feel there is more recognition from the audience. The expectations are higher now,” she admits. And yet, she insists the shift is external. “Internally, I still feel like the same person. I am still figuring it out, one film at a time.”
That sense of in-betweenness extends beyond her career trajectory and into her personality. Once an introverted child, Mamitha now identifies as something more fluid, shaped by the demands of an industry that requires both access and projection. “Now I feel I am more of an ambivert… according to situations. I learned to be more communicative.”
Lessons and instincts
It’s a lesson that aligns neatly with her evolving choices on screen. Mamitha has carved a niche in stories that resonate with younger audiences, films like "Dude," "Super Sharanya" and "Premalu", without reducing her performances to mere relatability. What draws her now, she says, is specificity. “I look out for real and interesting characters. When a role has a clear emotional journey that young people relate to, I get excited.”
That instinct carries into "Kara," her upcoming film with Dhanush. Though her role is limited, Mamitha is quick to underline its narrative weight. “It has an impact and a certain emotional weight. She is not too loud, but I believe she will stay with you,” she says. In a film she describes as intense, her character brings “a layer of vulnerability and strength”.
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Role recall
"Kara" is also part of a slate that places her alongside some of the biggest names in south cinema, including Vijay and Suriya in projects like "Jana Nayagan" and "Vishwanath and Sons" respectively. For a relatively young actor, it’s the kind of proximity that can intimidate. She acknowledges the “wow moment” of sharing space with such figures, but quickly adds, “I remind myself that I am there for a reason. Once the camera rolls, it is about the character.”
That clarity, she suggests, comes from the collaborative rhythm of filmmaking. “Every co-actor pushes you for good,” she says, resisting the urge to single out one defining influence. Instead, she points to improvisation as her most significant teacher. “When improvisations happen, it becomes real. Those on-the-moment performances give a natural authenticity.”
Not every role comes easily. Mamitha cites upcoming "Irandu Vaanam" as her most challenging to date, a character defined by emotional density and a layered backstory. “It took me about 2-3 days to get into the role,” she says. Despite her growing ease on screen, the work remains process-driven.
Her relationship with that process has evolved. Early in her career, particularly during "Kho Kho," Mamitha found it difficult to detach from her characters. “I had the heaviness of that character for a while,” she recalls. Over time, she’s learned to create distance. “Now, I consciously try to switch off after ‘cut’ is called.” Still, some scenes linger that she seems to accept rather than resist.
Word’s worth
Ask her to describe her upcoming slate into single words, and Mamitha responds with precision, “"Irandu Vaanam" is beautiful, "Kara" is intense, "Vishwanath and Sons" is a fun entertainer, and "Bethlehem Kudumba Unit" is a family entertainer.” And she picks "Jana Nayagan," as “special”.
Amid the industry chatter regarding "Premalu 2," Mamitha pitches in her imagination of how her character Reenu and onscreen lover Sachin would end up, “I think Reenu and Sachin will find their way back to each other. They would figure out a way to work out their long-distance relationship.”
Hope afloat
If there’s one change she hopes to see in the industry she’s navigating, it’s cultural rather than creative. “I hope the industry becomes more open and there’s more respect for everyone’s time and voice.”
For now, Mamitha’s off-screen life remains relatively low-key. Having little to no time to binge-watch shows, she prefers occasional theatre visits. Her recent favorites include "Vaazha 2" and "Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam," both of which she describes as thoroughly enjoyable. Sometimes, she adds, she turns to animation films.
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