Bajrangi Bhaijaan star Harshaali Malhotra to make film comeback with Nandamuri Balakrishna's Akhanda 2 on December 5

Harshaali Malhotra big screen debut in South cinema

Harshaali Malhotra, who won hearts across the globe as the innocent Munni in Salman Khan’s 2015 blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, is all set to make her much-awaited return to the silver screen—nearly ten years later.

The young actress is stepping into South Indian cinema for the first time, reportedly joining the cast of Akhanda 2, the sequel to the Telugu blockbuster, starring superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna and directed by Boyapati Sreenu.

Fans who have grown up watching Harshaali on screen were thrilled when she confirmed the news in an emotional social media post.

As Munni, a mute Pakistani girl whose expressive eyes and innocent charm conveyed a world of emotion, Harshaali captivated audiences' attention back in 2015.

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A post shared by Harshaali Malhotra (@harshaalimalhotra_03)

She became a beloved figure in film after her performance in Kabir Khan's touching drama won over hearts in India and beyond.

Now, Harshaali is ready to reintroduce herself—not as Munni, but as a young actor taking her first major step into South cinema.

She will play Janani in Akhanda 2 (also called Thaandavam), marking both her Telugu debut and her return to films after a long pause.

Directed by Boyapati Sreenu and featuring Balakrishna in the lead, the action-packed sequel promises to showcase a very different side of Harshaali’s talent.

Earlier this year, she shared her excitement with fans on Instagram, expressing gratitude for their love and support. “I spent these years improving my craft and preparing for the right moment to return,” she wrote.

Also Read: Bajrangi Bhaijaan's Harshaali Malhotra scores 83 percent in Class 10, gives it back to the trolls who said she would fail, watch video

When the movie's opening song, "The Thaandavam," was released at a lavish event in Mumbai, the excitement surrounding Akhanda 2 only intensified.

Videos of Harshaali's composed and assured demeanour went viral as she attended with Balakrishna.

Her journey has come full circle, from the young child who spoke through her eyes to a young actor who is ready to leave her mark. The next chapter of her story, where she boldly enters the spotlight, has audiences excited.