Keerthy Suresh Says Financial Stability Took A Hit During Six-Month Career Lull After Mahanati

Actor Keerthy Suresh has opened up about the career break she experienced after the success of Mahanati, saying the lack of new film offers affected her financial stability despite winning a National Film Award for her performance.

In a recent interview with News18, Keerthy recalled that she did not receive any new projects for six months after the 2018 biopic, which was based on the life of legendary actor Savitri.

Although she initially welcomed the break after working continuously for several years, she soon realised that the pause was affecting her finances.

“First of all, I needed a break at that time because I was working back-to-back. In a way, I was happy until I realised that my financial stability was going for a toss,” she said.

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Keerthy explained that Mahanati changed how filmmakers viewed her as an actor. Before the film, she was largely associated with girl-next-door roles.

Following the biopic’s success, however, filmmakers appeared uncertain about the kind of characters they could offer her.

The actor said the film eventually opened doors to more substantial roles, even though the transition initially resulted in a period without work.

Keerthy also used the break to focus on her health and fitness. She recalled that between 2013 and 2018, her routine largely involved shooting, eating and sleeping, with little time for exercise.

“My face is working, so why do I have to worry about my body?” she recalled thinking at the time. She later recognised the need to prioritise her health and began working out during the six-month break.

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The actor said she does not regret taking the time off, as it helped her look after herself and learn to manage her finances better.

Keerthy is currently promoting Akka, an upcoming Netflix series co-starring Radhika Apte.

Set in the 1980s in the fictional South Indian city of Pernuru, the series follows a powerful sisterhood whose control is threatened by the arrival of a mysterious outsider. Directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, Akka is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 30, 2026.