Sanya Malhotra is currently riding a wave of success, with diverse projects that have garnered both critical acclaim and commercial recognition. From her role in the Netflix film 'Kathal' to her experience working with Shah Rukh Khan in 'Jawan,' and now, celebrating the National Award win for 'Sam Bahadur,' Malhotra has a lot to be excited about.
Her film 'Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery' won Best Hindi Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards. The film, directed by Yashowardhan Mishra, is a satirical comedy about a case of missing jackfruits from a politician's garden, which leads to an investigation uncovering deeper social issues. Critics have praised Malhotra's performance as Inspector Mahima Basor, noting her ability to balance humor and emotion while tackling systemic issues. The film's success is seen as a win for meaningful, content-driven Hindi cinema. According to Ashok Mishra, the film's writer, Netflix greenlit the project without requesting any changes, highlighting their support for unique and responsible storytelling.
Malhotra has also spoken about her experience working in Shah Rukh Khan's 'Jawan'. She described it as a "dream come true" to work with Khan, expressing her admiration for his professionalism and commitment to gender equality. According to Malhotra, Khan ensured that everyone was treated equally on set and that his respect for women is reflected in the types of films he chooses. Although her role in 'Jawan' was limited, Malhotra focused on learning from Khan, director Atlee, and co-star Nayanthara. She shared that Khan advised her to listen to her heart and not her brain, a piece of advice that has stayed with her. Malhotra also recounted watching 'Jawan' at a cinema in Mumbai and feeling grateful to be part of a film that was bringing so much joy to audiences.
Adding to her list of achievements, 'Sam Bahadur,' in which she played Silloo Manekshaw, has won three National Film Awards. The film won awards for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values, Best Costume Design, and Best Make-up Artist. Reacting to the film's success, Fatima Sana Shaikh, who portrayed Indira Gandhi in the film, called it a "moment of honor" and praised director Meghna Gulzar. Malhotra's involvement in 'Sam Bahadur' further demonstrates her commitment to diverse roles in impactful films. Vicky Kaushal, who played the titular role, also expressed his pride in the film's achievement.
In addition to these projects, Malhotra starred in the film 'Mrs.,' a remake of the Malayalam film 'The Great Indian Kitchen'. In an interview, Malhotra discussed how playing Richa in 'Mrs.' influenced her relationship with food, making her more aware of the often-unseen labor that women put into cooking. She hopes the film will spark conversations about the unspoken realities faced by homemakers and the value of their work.
