Actor Bhavana has opened up about her long break from Malayalam cinema, saying the move was entirely her own choice, even when top filmmakers and stars were offering her major projects.

In an interview with Galatta Plus, Bhavana told film critic Baradwaj Rangan that she consciously turned down films from Aashiq Abu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayasurya, and even Mammootty during that phase of her career.

“I never plan anything nowadays...I just suddenly felt like I should stay away from Malayalam cinema. That happened because maybe that was momentarily thought, but I felt comfortable that way,” she said. “I got married, shifted to Bengaluru, was spending time with my family, and I was okay not being here. (sic)”

Bhavana added that she had no specific career plan at the time and was content working in Kannada cinema instead.

“It was my choice. Even then some of my close friends from the Malayalam industry were constantly calling me and asking, 'Do this movie, at least listen to this movie'. From Aashiq Abu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayasurya and even Mammukka film, but I said no. If you ask me why I said no. I really don't have an answer for it. At that time, I was okay with it. I don't want to do it. I felt I was good here. I don't want to break that bubble and go there (Mollywood). It took time,” she said.

The actor also revealed that she initially rejected her comeback film Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn, refusing even to hear the script.

“They said, ‘Please listen to the script,’ and I said no because if I liked it and still had to say no, I would feel bad,” Bhavana explained. “Later, they tried reaching me through different sources, some friends. Everybody asked me one question: what are you gaining out of it; staying away from Malalam cinema, and what is the point? I didn't have an answer.”

Fans will next see Bhavana in director Riyas Marath’s eagerly awaited Malayalam crime thriller Anomie, co-starring Rahman. The film has been rescheduled for release on February 6.