Ravi Mohan halts films, acting until divorce is finalised
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Tamil actor and producer Ravi Mohan on Saturday, 16 May announced that he would neither act nor allow his films to release in theatres until his ongoing divorce proceedings conclude and his personal life stabilises. The declaration came at an emotionally charged press conference held at his Chennai office, where a visibly distressed Mohan broke down midway through his address.
What Ravi Mohan Said
Speaking directly to journalists, Mohan stated, '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.'
He invoked the Tamil proverb Saadhu mirandal kaadu kolladhu — roughly translated as 'when the patient man finally loses his patience, even the forest cannot contain his anger' — to signal that his tolerance had reached its limit. 'I am no longer going to be patient. Now, all those who wanted to provoke me can try doing so now,' he said in a determined tone, adding that he was ready to respond forcefully, likening himself to the character Karathey Babu.
Cyber Bullying and Personal Turmoil
Mohan specifically cited cyber bullying as one of the key triggers for his decision, linking it directly to his ongoing personal difficulties. 'On the day I get my divorce, on the day my personal life becomes alright, on the day this cyber bullying stops...' he said, leaving the sentence open-ended but the intent clear — his return to work is contingent on all three conditions being met.
Notably, the press conference was called at short notice, underscoring the urgency and emotional weight of the announcement for the actor.
Impact on Existing Projects
When asked whether his decision applied only to new projects or also to films already in production, Mohan moved to reassure collaborators and financiers. '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.
The statement suggests that while Mohan is prepared to step away from active work, he intends to honour financial commitments — either by completing existing obligations or refunding advances — before doing so.
What Happens Next
The timeline of Mohan's return to the industry now rests entirely on the pace of his divorce proceedings and the resolution of what he described as persistent personal harassment. His announcement effectively places an indefinite hold on any new releases or projects bearing his name, with significant implications for producers and co-stars associated with his upcoming slate.