Karthika

Karthika, the homely Mollywood actress, hails from a middle-class family. Her father was a military officer and her mother was a homemaker. Karthika alias Sunantha made her cinema debut as a junior artist. Her first film was in 1984, Oru Painkilikadha directed by Balachandra Menon. She played one of the group dancers in the movie. However, she got a heroine role in the very next year. Her second film is Manicheppu Thurannappol. In the movie, she played one among the female leads along with “Jalaja.”

She has worked in twenty films, among which two films are Tamil films and the rest are Malayalam films. Although she has played in a limited number of films, she had proved her versatility in acting with those numbers. Adiverukal, Thalavattam, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Neela Kurinji Poothappol, Ente Entethu Mathram, Desatanakkili Karayarilla, Kariyilakkattu Pole and Adukkan Entheluppam are the films performed by her in 1986. In 1987, she worked in films like Idanazhiyil Oru Kaalocha, Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam, Neeyethra Dhanya, January Oru Orma and Ivide Ellavarkkum Sukham. David David Mr. David and Avanikunnile Kinnari Pookkal are the films performed by her in 1988 and 1989 respectively.

Karthika’s performance with Mohanlal, “Lissy” and “Sukumari” in Thalavattam was a highly appreciated one by the critics and the movie buffs. She has performed with almost all the biggies of her period like “Mohanlal,” “Mammootty,” Suresh Gopi and “Mukesh.” In her 18 Malayalam films, she has performed with Mohanlal in ten films and all the films were super hits. Karthika and Mohanlal’s chemistry had been highly lauded. She made her Tamil debut in 1987 through “Nayagan” with Kamal Haasan, Saranya Ponvannan and Nizhalgal Ravi.

The film directed by Mani Ratnam was a super hit. Karthika’s casual performance as Kamal’s daughter had been highly appreciated. Her second cum final Tamil film was with “Sathyaraj” in Poovizhi Vaasalile directed by Fazil. Karthika has worked with the top directors such as Balachandra Menon, “Fazil,” Bharathan, “Priyadarshan” and Sathyan Anthikad. Unlike other top heroines during her period, Karthika didn’t use heavy makeup and stylish costumes. Yet, she looked beautiful in her simple outfits.

At the peak of her career, Karthika decided to quit the film industry. She married a Doctor and settled in Maldives. The couple is blessed with a son. She often visits her hometown and meets her old pals. During her latest visit, she enjoyed the company of “Menaka,” her bestie. Although her career span is just five years, she attracted everyone with her wonderful acting. Till now, Karthika is being adored for her excellent performances. Only a few actresses remain in the hearts of the audiences and Karthika is one among those few.