Nikhila Vimal is a popular Indian actress known for her work in the Malayalam film industry, with a few notable roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema as well. Her natural acting style and charming screen presence have made her a prominent face in South Indian films.
Early Life and Background:
Nikhila Vimal was born on March 9, 1994, in Taliparamba, Kannur, Kerala. She grew up in a middle-class family with her father, Pavithran, who works in the statistical department, and her mother, Kalamandalam Vimaladevi, a trained dancer. She also has an elder sister, Akhila Vimal, who is a research scholar in microbiology.
Nikhila completed her schooling in Kannur and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Botany from Sir Syed College, Taliparamba. She had an interest in the arts, particularly dance, and was trained in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kerala Natanam, which later contributed to her expressive acting.
Acting Career:
Nikhila Vimal’s entry into the film industry was unexpected. She made her acting debut as a teenager with the film Bhagyadevatha (2009), directed by Sathyan Anthikad, where she played a supporting role. After a brief hiatus to focus on her studies, she returned to the screen.
Her breakthrough came with her lead role in the Tamil film Vetrivel (2016), alongside actor Sasikumar. The film was a commercial success, and Nikhila was appreciated for her role, which paved the way for more opportunities in Tamil and Malayalam cinema.
Malayalam Film Breakthrough:
Nikhila’s first major Malayalam film was Love 24x7 (2015), where she starred opposite Dileep. However, it was her performance in the family drama Aravindante Athidhikal (2018) alongside Vineeth Sreenivasan that won her critical acclaim. Her portrayal of Varada, a kind-hearted young woman, endeared her to audiences.
She continued to make her mark in the Malayalam industry with films like Oru Yamandan Premakadha (2019) with Dulquer Salmaan and The Priest (2021) alongside Mammootty, where she played a pivotal role in a thriller-mystery narrative.
Notable Films:
Bhagyadevatha
Love 24x7
Vetrivel
Kidaari
Meda Meeda Abbayi
Gayatri
Aravindante Athidhikal
Panjumittai
Njan Prakashan
Mera Naam Shaji
Oru Yamandan Premakadha
Thambi
Anjaam Pathiraa
Onbathu Kuzhi Sampath
The Priest
Madhuram
Bro Daddy
Ranga
Jo & Jo
Kotthu
Ayalvaashi
Por Thozhil
Journey of Love 18+
Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil
Nunakuzhi
Vaazhai
Kadha Innuvare
Oru Jaathi Jathakam
Get-Set Baby
Personal Life:
Nikhila Vimal prefers to keep her personal life private. She is known for her humility and down-to-earth nature. Apart from acting, she is passionate about dance and often credits her classical dance training for helping her in her film career.
Acting Style and Reception:
Nikhila Vimal is often praised for her ability to portray relatable, girl-next-door characters with ease. Her performances in both commercial and critically acclaimed films have earned her a strong fan base in South India. She is appreciated for her expressive eyes and her ability to convey emotions naturally on screen.
With her growing popularity and an impressive line-up of films, Nikhila continues to be a sought-after actress in Malayalam cinema. She has earned a reputation for selecting films that strike a balance between meaningful content and mass appeal.