Malavika Mohanan says some heroes have ‘double standards’ Anamika Gottipati, July 23, 2025July 23, 2025 Malavika Mohanan has sparked a heated discussion in the Indian film industry with her bold remarks about the hypocrisy of certain male actors who project a progressive, feminist image in public but reveal a starkly different demeanor behind closed doors. In a candid interview, she called out the duplicity of these actors, accusing them of maintaining a carefully curated media persona while exhibiting misogynistic behavior off-camera, raising fresh concerns about gender dynamics in Indian cinema. Malavika Mohanan, who is making her Telugu debut in The Raja Saab, did not mince words when addressing the issue of performative feminism. “I don’t think this disparity has ever ended in the film industry. I also think that men have really gotten smart, and I have seen this in a lot of male actors, suddenly, in the last 5–6 years, they know how to put on the mask of being woke,” she said. 📖 Must Read: Malavika Mohanan dares to do a waterfall photoshoot Navel obsession She further elaborated that these actors “know exactly what lines to say to make them come across like a feminist, as a very forward-thinking person, someone who treats women as equals,” only to “retreat from the public eye and become the most misogynistic individuals ever.” She highlighted the industry’s “navel obsession,” recounting her initial shock at the fixation on female actors’ bodies. “I used to be very perplexed earlier, too, because I’ve grown up in Mumbai. It was a completely new phenomenon that navels are obsessed over so much,” she said. 📖 Must Read: Malavika Mohanan gives cheeky response to fan’s marriage proposal Double standards “I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” referring to the duplicity of some male actors. The online discourse reflects growing support for her candidness, with many calling for accountability and systemic change in the industry. Her remarks come at a time when the Indian film industry is under scrutiny for its treatment of women, both on and off-screen. Malavika’s revelations add to the ongoing conversation about gender inequality, echoing sentiments expressed by other actors who have called out systemic biases. 📖 Must Read: Malavika Mohanan: ‘Navel obsession is real in South India’