In a moment that has captured the attention of cinema lovers across the country, acclaimed filmmaker Nag Ashwin recently showered high praise on actress Mrunal Thakur, comparing her timeless screen presence to that of the legendary Madhubala and Smita Patil.
The heartfelt tribute took place during a success meet for the film Dacoit: Ek Prem Katha, which stars Mrunal Thakur and Adivi Sesh. As the film crossed the ₹40 crore mark at the global box office within its opening weekend, the team gathered to celebrate the achievement with industry veterans.
Nag Ashwin, known for his visionary direction in Kalki 2898 AD and Mahanati, did not hold back while discussing Mrunal’s talent. He noted that she possesses a rare emotional depth that is seldom seen in modern cinema.
“Whenever there is a character that has that depth, sorrow, or pain, I think you are like that era of Madhubala and Smita Patil,” Ashwin remarked during his speech. “There are not many people like this.”
The director’s comparison to Madhubala—often called the “Venus of Indian Cinema”—and Smita Patil, a powerhouse of parallel cinema, highlights the industry’s growing respect for Mrunal’s ability to handle complex, soul-stirring roles.
Beyond the compliments, Ashwin shared some “protective” advice with the actress. Having worked with her briefly in Kalki 2898 AD, he admitted to being a close observer of her career choices. He urged her to be more selective, expressing concern when she takes on projects that don’t match her caliber.
“I am generally very protective of the stuff that you pick,” he told her. “Whenever you do something that’s not great, I am like, ‘Why is she doing that?’ She deserves to do much better stuff. So please, don’t do random stuff and do good stuff.”
Mrunal Thakur’s journey in the Telugu film industry has been nothing short of spectacular. Since her debut in the classic love story Sita Ramam, she has become a favorite among filmmakers for her “classic” look and expressive acting.
The event also saw a lighthearted moment when veteran producer Allu Aravind suggested that the only way to keep Mrunal in the Telugu industry permanently is for her to marry a local and settle down. While the remark was made in jest, it underscored how much the industry values her presence.
Mrunal was visibly moved by the director’s words, appearing emotional and bowing her head in gratitude. With the success of Dacoit and the high expectations set by filmmakers like Nag Ashwin, all eyes are now on her future projects to see if she continues to follow the path of the legends she is now being compared to.
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