Ravi Mohan dons sacred maala, begins fast ahead of Sabarimala pilgrimage
Synopsis
Ravi Mohan has stepped away from the screen — and now, toward the sacred. Weeks after an emotional press conference where he announced a full work halt over his divorce and cyber bullying, the Tamil actor has donned the maala and begun fasting for a Sabarimala pilgrimage, marking a striking pivot from public defiance to private devotion.
Key Takeaways
Ravi Mohan has donned the sacred maala and begun fasting in preparation for a Sabarimala pilgrimage.
The actor earlier announced he would not act or release films until his divorce from wife Aarti is finalised.
At an emotional Chennai press conference, he cited cyber bullying and personal insults as reasons for his work pause.
He assured collaborators that existing financial commitments would be honoured and no one would be adversely affected.
The Sabarimala pilgrimage preparatory period traditionally requires 41 days of fasting and strict observance.
Tamil actor and producer Ravi Mohan has donned the sacred maala (chain) and commenced fasting in preparation for a holy pilgrimage to Sabarimala, sources close to him confirmed. The spiritual step comes weeks after the actor publicly announced he would halt all professional work until his ongoing divorce proceedings concluded and his personal life stabilised.
A Turn Toward Devotion
Sources indicate that Ravi Mohan, who has been navigating a difficult period on the personal front following his separation from wife Aarti, has now entered a period of devotion and spiritual reflection. Donning the maala is a traditional prerequisite for devotees undertaking the Sabarimala pilgrimage, requiring strict observance of fasting and celibacy for a prescribed period.
The Emotional Press Conference
Earlier, Ravi Mohan had addressed a press conference at his office in Chennai during which he broke down midway. In a frank and emotional address, he declared: 'Firstly what I want to say is that my films will not release on screen until I get my divorce. I am not going to act. That is because I cannot act. I cannot bear the unnecessary insults I am being subjected to.'
Invoking the Tamil proverb Saadhu mirandal kaadu kolladhu — meaning even the most patient person's anger, once ignited, cannot be contained — he described himself as a patient man pushed to his limits by deliberate provocation. 'I am no longer going to be patient. Now, all those who wanted to provoke me can try doing so now,' he said, adding a reference to his screen persona: 'I am going to deliver kicks like Karathey Babu. I am ready.'
On Ongoing Projects and Financial Commitments
Responding to concerns about films already in production, Ravi Mohan sought to reassure collaborators. 'I will not behave in such a manner that causes difficulty to anybody. Even if I have taken money, I will make provisions to return it and only then leave. So, don't worry. Nobody will be affected by me,' he said. He also cited cyber bullying as one of the factors weighing on him, stating he would resume work only once the divorce was finalised and the online harassment ceased.
What This Signals
The decision to undertake the Sabarimala pilgrimage is widely seen in Tamil film circles as a deeply personal act of seeking spiritual grounding during a turbulent phase. Notably, the pilgrimage's preparatory rituals — which can last 41 days — demand a complete withdrawal from public and professional life, aligning with his earlier announcement of a work pause. How long his hiatus from the industry will last remains contingent on the progress of his personal circumstances.
Point of View
Donning the maala is a visible, socially understood signal of withdrawal and introspection. The timing is telling: it follows an unusually raw press conference where the line between the actor's screen persona and personal anguish visibly blurred. What mainstream coverage tends to underplay is the cyber bullying dimension — a growing hazard for regional entertainers who lack the institutional PR machinery of A-listers. His pledge to honour financial commitments before stepping away also reflects a calculated effort to protect professional credibility while navigating personal collapse.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Ravi Mohan donned the maala and started fasting?
Ravi Mohan has begun the preparatory rituals — donning the sacred maala and fasting — ahead of a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Sources say the step reflects a period of devotion and spiritual reflection during a personally turbulent time.
What did Ravi Mohan announce at his press conference?
At an emotional press conference in Chennai, Ravi Mohan declared he would not act or release any films until his divorce from wife Aarti was finalised and cyber bullying against him stopped. He broke down midway through the address.
Will Ravi Mohan's work pause affect his ongoing film projects?
The actor has assured collaborators that no one will be adversely affected. He stated he would return any advance payments received and make proper provisions before stepping away, ensuring existing commitments are honoured.
What is the significance of the Sabarimala pilgrimage rituals?
Undertaking the Sabarimala pilgrimage requires devotees to observe a strict preparatory period — traditionally 41 days — of fasting, celibacy, and spiritual discipline after donning the sacred maala. It is considered one of the most rigorous Hindu pilgrimages in South India.
What is cyber bullying's role in Ravi Mohan's decision?
Ravi Mohan explicitly cited cyber bullying as one of the key reasons for his decision to pause work, stating he would resume professional activity only after the harassment ceased alongside the conclusion of his divorce proceedings.
