From Dragon to Raaka: The Two Big Films Preity Mukhundhan Had to Turn Down

Preity Mukhundhan is making a strong mark across South Indian cinema, and her latest career revelation has added an interesting twist to her growing filmography.

At the pre-release event of her upcoming Tamil film Anbil Avan, filmmaker Ashwath Marimuthu revealed that Mukhundhan had earlier been considered for a key role in his 2025 hit Dragon. She eventually could not take up the part, which later went to Kayadu Lohar.

According to reports from the event, Marimuthu later met Mukhundhan and told her that another significant opportunity could come her way. That eventually materialised with Anbil Avan, where she plays the female lead opposite Ashok Selvan. Marimuthu reportedly appreciated the importance of her character after watching the film’s trailer.

The revelation comes after another major casting opportunity that Mukhundhan had to miss. In July, Raaka director Atlee disclosed that she had initially been approached for an important role in his ambitious Allu Arjun-starrer. However, she could not accommodate the dates because she was busy with Idhayam Murali. Femina George subsequently joined the cast in the role.

Meanwhile, Anbil Avan is gearing up for its announced theatrical release on September 25. Directed by debutant R Kaarthikeyan, the film has a story by Vignesh Raja and screenplay contributions from Vignesh Raja, Kaarthikeyan and Ashok Selvan. The film follows a couple whose attempt to begin life afresh takes an unexpected turn.

For Selvan, the film marks an important return as a leading man after a gap of around two-and-a-half years. He has described the project as an opportunity to reinvent himself and has highlighted the work of Mukhundhan and the rest of the team.

Mukhundhan also has a busy lineup ahead. She will star opposite Roshan Meka in Telugu romantic entertainer Emo Emo Idi, written and directed by HIT filmmaker Sailesh Kolanu, which is scheduled to release on October 30, 2026.

With major projects continuing to come her way, Mukhundhan's career is moving rapidly, even as two high-profile films she was once considered for ultimately went ahead with other actresses.