Jul 09, 2026 7:03pm IST
Preity Mukhundhan: ‘Handling Success Is Tricky in This Business’ (EXCLUSIVE)
With the success of “Blast” behind her and the upcoming “Idhayam Murali” releasing July 10, Tamil actor Preity Mukhundhan exclusively speaks to Variety India about being a young Indian actor, the challenges of working in films across multiple languages, coping with failures and not being swayed by success in the film industry.
What made you take up ‘Idhayam Murali’?
“Idhayam Murali” is a breezy, sweet slice-of-life film. At this stage of my career, it feels wonderful to be part of it. Getting to play a lovable, relatable character like Sam is so refreshing. There might be a twist or two related to my character that all of you will enjoy. I’m looking forward to seeing how people receive Sam.
You made your Telugu acting debut in 2024. That same year, you also made your Tamil film debut. In 2025, you made your Malayalam film debut. Do you speak any of these languages?
Getting to work in different languages has been so challenging yet amazing. As a Tamilian, I never really got to learn much about Telugu or Malayalam growing up, but getting to meet culturally different people, eating their food, and working in these industries has truly opened my eyes to the world around me.
How did you handle the challenge of learning a new language?
I’ve understood that it takes immense dedication and a lot of homework to do justice to a character in a language you don’t know. Over time, I have devised my own small method to crack this particular challenge, under the mentorship of different directors I’ve worked with. It requires extensive preparation, starting from spending a lot of time rote-learning lines to understanding the nuances of the language.
Related Stories
Your first two films became major hits. In what way did it change your life?
To be honest, I only learned the value of being part of a successful film a little later. It’s extremely fulfilling to be part of a film that has touched people’s hearts. But handling success has also proved to be quite tricky in this business, so I’ve learned to keep my head down and continue working hard.
‘Kanappa,’ which released last year, did not perform well at the box office. How did you handle this phase?
Box-office successes and failures are inevitable in this line of work, so I have learned not to take it too personally while reminding myself to make the right choices and give my best every day.
You bounced back with ‘Blast’ this year, which has raised the bar and now people are expecting 'Idhayam Murali' to do well. Does the pressure of expectations make you nervous?
As much as I’d like to say no, I do feel the pressure. I think a certain amount of pressure is healthy because it shows that people care about your work. Of course, there are moments when expectations can feel overwhelming, but I try not to focus too much on the outcome. My responsibility is to give my best during the shooting process and be completely honest in my performance. Once the film is released, it belongs to the audience. I am grateful that people are excited about “Idhayam Murali.”
What is the most challenging part of being a young actor in India today?
One of the biggest challenges is staying grounded while constantly being in the public eye. Today, actors are judged not only for their performances but also for everything they say, post, or do. There is a lot of noise and constant comparison. It can be easy to lose focus if you pay attention to everything around you. I think the most important thing is to stay true to yourself, keep learning, and remember why you started in the first place. Consistency and patience are just as important as talent.
How do you navigate tricky situations at work, such as requests for costumes or scenes that make you uncomfortable?
Communication is very important. I believe every actor has personal boundaries and it is essential to express them respectfully and clearly. I am fortunate to work with teams that value professionalism and collaboration. If there is ever a situation where I feel uncomfortable, I make sure to have an honest conversation with the director or the creative team. I believe mutual respect is key. At the end of the day, everyone is working towards making the best possible film, and healthy discussions are a part of that process.
What is your advice for youngsters wanting to enter the movie business?
My advice would be to come into this industry because you genuinely love the craft and not just the glamour associated with it. Success rarely happens overnight. There will be auditions, rejections, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. Use every opportunity to learn and improve. Be patient, stay disciplined, and keep working on your skills. Most importantly, don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Every career unfolds differently, and persistence often makes the biggest difference.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.