Actress Malvi Malhotra, who plays the character Rama in the upcoming Telugu crime-comedy Baa Baa Black Sheep, says that language is far more than words or pronunciation — it reshapes how an actor expresses emotion, feels the rhythm of a scene, and listens to a co-star. The film, directed by Guni Machikanti and produced by Chitralayam Entertainment, is set to release on 9 October 2026.

Language as an acting instrument

Malhotra, who has worked across Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil cinema — including projects such as Abhuyam, Thiragabadara Sami, Dama Dam Mast Kalandar, and Haye Bibiye Kithe Fas Gaye — speaks about the transformative effect of switching languages on screen. 'Every industry has its own working culture, rhythm and storytelling language, and being exposed to that has made me more adaptable,' she said.

She elaborated: 'Language is not just about words or pronunciation; it also changes the way you express an emotion, the rhythm of a scene and how you listen to your co-actor. At the end of the day, emotions are universal. Whether you are speaking Hindi, Telugu, Tamil or Malayalam, the truth of the character has to come through. That understanding has made me a more instinctive and versatile actor.'

Who is Rama — and why Malhotra took the role

Malhotra describes her character as layered and self-contained, rather than a supporting device for the male lead. 'Rama has her own individuality and emotional journey. I liked that she wasn't written simply around the hero or to move his story forward,' she explained. The role, she noted, blended elements close to her own personality with aspects that pushed her well outside her comfort zone — a combination she found dramatically rewarding.

What clinched her decision, Malhotra said, was the quality of the writing: 'What immediately attracted me was the story and the world the film creates. I look for projects where characters have their own journeys and something meaningful to contribute. I would rather be part of a good story with an interesting character than simply be part of a project because of its scale or glamour.'

Preparation and process

Malhotra credits her theatre background for shaping a preparation method rooted in internal truth rather than surface technique. 'I usually don't decide too much about a character before understanding the world she comes from. I think about her circumstances, what she wants, what she fears and why she reacts the way she does,' she said. She deliberately avoided obvious mannerisms, instead allowing physicality to emerge from the character's inner life.

The approach was reinforced by her collaboration with director Guni Machikanti. 'I really value directors who know what they want but also give actors the space to discover something of their own. When a director gives you a thought rather than simply telling you how to perform, you can internalise the emotion and find your own way of expressing it,' she said, crediting those conversations for giving her portrayal of Rama its honesty.

About the film

Baa Baa Black Sheep is a Telugu crime-comedy helmed by Guni Machikanti and backed by Chitralayam Entertainment. With its release on 9 October 2026, the film arrives as the Telugu film industry continues to draw multilingual talent eager to work across regional boundaries. Malhotra's casting reflects a broader trend of actors from the Hindi belt finding substantial, character-driven roles in South Indian productions.