Preity Mukundhan: 'I Don't Shy Away From Uncomfortable Growth'
Preity Mukundhan shot to fame with the song Aasa Kooda and has quickly become one of the much-sought-after faces in the South.
In three films, actress Preity Mukundhan has already shared screen space with some big names like Prabhas and Akshay Kumar. Two of her three video songs–Aasa Kood and Morni–became chartbusters upon release. Aasa Kooda took the world by storm and Preity became a popular face instantly, and all of this has happened in a matter of few years for the 22-year-old actress from Trichy aka Trichirapalli, who has no roots in the competitive film industry. In this interview, we trace her journey from being a student of NIT to becoming the lead actress in the Pan-Indian project Kannappa. Excerpts from the interview:
A girl from Trichy managing to be in a mammoth project in a role that's pretty much present throughout the runtime… how did you get there in a short span?
Yes, I am a girl from Trichy who has managed to be in a mammoth project, and I don't know how I got here so soon. I can't credit myself for all of it, some things just find you. But I've always challenged myself and I am always open to growth. Even though I am a person with a lot of inhibitions, I kept putting myself out there. Even if it's uncomfortable growth I don't shy away from it. I keep trying, keep auditioning—I don't think I'll ever stop wanting to learn and grow.
Aasa Kooda, Star, Kannappa… you are consistently part of high-impact projects. What's the secret?
To put it simply, my secret is that I pour my heart and soul into everything I do, with complete and utter honesty.
Please share your journey from an NIT student to becoming a model and now an actor.
I was passionate about studies in school and fascinated by maths and physics, which led me to perform well in JEE and that got me into NIT Trichy. But I always had a pull towards the performing arts. I told myself during school that I'd explore every opportunity in arts in college, and modeling was one such pursuit. That experiment led me to discover acting. I had a pull towards it as a craft and I thought 'Why not explore it?' I started auditioning and pitching myself for roles and eventually, I got my first acting opportunity.
How do you manage to look at ease among superstars?
I might look at ease, but I'm definitely starstruck and in awe of working with such veterans. I kno these people are celebrated and of course, it is all running in my head. But I think I work well under pressure. I try to make that pressure a healthy thing, it helps me focus better and perform better. I end up doing well when there is pressure on me. This mentality of mine really helped me.
When your work for a film is demanding or even excruciating, how do you manage to perform?
When my work gets really demanding physically and you know, there are times when you really feel like you can't push anymore but I think I remind myself of all the reasons why I want to keep pushing, keep pushing myself. Also, when I observe the set, I realize that all these people are gathered here and I have a responsibility towards my work, and that definitely pushes me to not give up. I take it one day at a time. I tell myself that if I get through today, things will get better. I put in a lot of practice. If I know if some important scenes were being shot, I would just memorise my lines, checking pronunciation with 10 people on set. I really go into a zone and prepare really hard. Nobody can talk to me at that time. Even if they do I will not be able to hear them out.
What has been the most challenging physically?
I think the weather conditions in which I have shot were the most challenging. Even during action scenes, you tend to hurt and bruise. I actually fractured a finger while shooting an action scene. And the cold was unbearable; I was wearing really skimpy clothes. It was a mental struggle. I had to tell myself that it was okay. I had to breathe and calm myself. So based on the terrain and the nature of the scene, there were a lot of physical challenges.
How is Prabhas as a co-star?
He has this powerful aura, even in silence, and that's very evident on screen. Every dialogue he said was so intense, and in real life, he is sweet and kind—very gentle, not loud, keeps to himself, but makes everyone around him feel at ease. We all know he is one of the biggest stars in the country, but he doesn't make you feel small. He is just a genuine person who respects everyone with kindness.
Tell us about Idhayam Murali.
Idhayam Murali is a fun, light-hearted rom-com centered around the connections we form in our school and college years. It's about friendship, love, heartbreaks—a mixed bag of everything. It'll be a beautiful trip down memory lane for many. They will relive those memories watching the film.
Tell us about your other projects.
I'm currently working on four movies: three in Tamil and one in Malayalam. All of them are set to be released this year. One Tamil movie is with Harish Kalyan, another with Ashok Selvan, and the third is Ithayam Murali with Atharvaa. The Malayalam one is titled Maine Pyaar Kiya. It's a very interesting dark comedy, also starring Hridhu Haroon of All We Imagine As Light fame. It is scheduled for release on August 29. I play the role of a Tamil girl in it, so it's also very much for the Tamil audience. There are two more movies in the pipeline, one of which is a Malayalam project titled Sarvam Maya, with Nivin Pauly in the lead role.
Will you now only look for big projects?
No, I don't think I'll only look for big projects. My criteria is simple: if I feel the story has heart, and if my role impacts how it plays out–if I can feel the pulse of the story and resonate with it, then that's what I'll go for.
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July 13, 2025, 09:26 IST
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