Rahul Ravindran Praises Mrunal Thakur’s Emotive Performances In Sita Ramam & Hi Nanna

Rahul Ravindran has praised Mrunal Thakur for moving audiences with intense emotions in Sita Ramam, Hi Nanna and now Dacoit. Speaking at an event for Dacoit, Rahul described how scenes featuring Mrunal’s pain or tears made entire theatres react, highlighting the strong emotional link between the actor and viewers.

Rahul, known as an actor, director and screenwriter in South Indian cinema, recalled watching Sita Ramam and Hi Nanna in theatres. Rahul said Mrunal’s performances felt personal to audiences, as many viewers appeared deeply affected whenever the character on-screen experienced sadness or heartfelt moments.

Mrunal Thakur Sita Ramam Hi Nanna Dacoit performances draw strong reactions

Sharing detailed memories from those screenings, Rahul explained that Mrunal’s ability to display emotion did not feel forced. Instead, it seemed natural and sincere. Rahul linked this quality to the response for Dacoit as well, suggesting that the latest film continues this pattern of emotional connection with cinema-goers.

"Mrunal Thakur has this beautiful gift," he states and adds, "I remember watching Sita Ramam in the theatre and I also remember watching Hi Nanna in the theatre. Everytime your eyes got moist on-screen and everytime you got emotional on-screen, I was just looking around in the theatre - when you get emotional, you make everybody emotional."

Rahul described how the mood inside the halls changed when Mrunal’s characters cried or struggled. Many viewers wiped their eyes, and some could be heard trying to hold back tears. Rahul felt that what was happening on-screen mirrored the crowd’s feelings, which made those screenings stay with Rahul.

"I heard so many sniffles, I saw so many people wiping tears, I can only imagine what's going to happen in this film (Dacoit). I watched this film in the edit room and I was getting emotional; I was getting moist-eyed. You are fantastic and radiant in the film. You have lovely, happy, cheerful eyes that everytime you become emotional in an emotional scene, it suddenly becomes so deep. There's this sadness that pours from deep within."

Mrunal Thakur Sita Ramam Hi Nanna Dacoit film timeline and reactions

Sita Ramam, released in 2022, and Hi Nanna, which arrived in 2023, are widely seen as key projects in Mrunal’s film career. Many viewers and critics regard these films as among Mrunal’s best work so far, especially for the emotional scenes, which have now drawn fresh attention due to Rahul’s comments.

Dacoit, directed by Shaneil Deo, reached theatres on 10 April and has started its run with encouraging word of mouth. Audience members and some reviewers have praised its technical strengths and tense sequences. For Mrunal, Dacoit adds another major title to an already growing list of varied and emotionally strong performances.

Hi Nanna co-star Nani also reacted warmly to Dacoit after a screening. Nani called the film “a true blockbuster” and highlighted Mrunal’s performance in particular. Nani wrote, "How beautifully you have immersed to this one. One more feather in your hat." The message added to the wider appreciation around the film.

The run of Sita Ramam, Hi Nanna and now Dacoit shows how Mrunal’s roles often lean on emotional intensity. Rahul Ravindran’s remarks, along with Nani’s message and early responses from audiences, underline how these three projects together strengthen Mrunal Thakur’s growing presence across Indian cinema.