Geetu Mohandas — the director behind Toxic, but did you know she was also a memorable actress in Nala Damayanthi?

When we hear the name Geetu Mohandas, many movie lovers now immediately say she’s an director of the much awaited upcoming film “Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups” but she’s also an director of Liar’s Dice and Moothon. But long before she made her mark behind the camera, Geetu had already created a place for herself in Indian cinema as a talented actress.

Born as Gayatri Das on June 8, 1981, Geetu Mohandas began her film journey as a child artist in Malayalam cinema. She went on to act in several acclaimed films before eventually transitioning into filmmaking.

From acting in front of the camera to becoming an acclaimed filmmaker behind it, Geetu Mohandas has had a fascinating journey through Indian cinema.

Geetu’s acting journey began at a very young age. She appeared as a child artist in films including Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare and En Bommukutty Ammavukku. Later, she took on lead and character roles in films such as Life Is Beautiful, Akale, Nammal Thammil, Seetha Kalyanam and several others.

One of her memorable appearances for Tamil cinema was in Mouli’s 2003 comedy film Nala Damayanthi, where she played Damayanthi opposite R. Madhavan. The film was written and produced by Kamal Haasan and remains a special part of her Tamil filmography.

In Nala Damayanthi, Geetu played Damayanthi, an important character in the story involving Madhavan’s Ramji. Her performance showcased the versatility she had already developed through her Malayalam film career.

For many Tamil audiences, she may still be remembered as the actress who played Damayanthi in this charming 2003 comedy.

From In Front of the Camera to Behind It

Geetu later made a remarkable transition from acting to directing.

In 2009, she founded her production house, Unplugged, and directed the short film Kelkkunnundo (Are You Listening?). Her feature-film directorial debut, Liar’s Dice, went on to receive major international recognition, including two National Film Awards, and was selected as India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 87th Academy Awards.

Her next feature, Moothon, further established her reputation as a filmmaker. The film premiered internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival, while Geetu had earlier received the Global Filmmaking Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Check out the gallery here of her latest photoshoot stills

Geethu Mohan Das Shared – That She had a Privilege to Wear ManishMalhotra Saree – at Toxic Movie Trailer Event 🔥

I had the privilege of wearing a Manish Malhotra sari for the trailer launch.
Working with Manish Malhotra on Kiara’s look for Toxic and experiencing his attention to detail firsthand was something else entirely. Every drape, every embroidery thread, every finish felt considered. Nothing left to chance. What struck me most was how personal he makes the process. He understands the character, the moment, the mood you’re trying to create, and then builds the outfit around that story. Nadia came alive in his clothes. Thank you, Manish. I can’t wait to work with you again ❤️

Photoshoot Credits :

Styled by – @costumesbyneha @nehasarkar04
Saree – @manishmalhotra05 @manishmalhotraworld
Neckpiece – @ekaraajewellery
Ring – @amaarjewelsindia
Footwear – @urbanswayofficial
Makeup @makeupbytrinss
Hair @akshataa.mani

A Journey Worth Remembering

Geetu Mohandas represents an interesting journey in Indian cinema — from child artist, to actress, to writer and finally an acclaimed director.

For those who remember her as Damayanthi in Nala Damayanthi, it is fascinating to look back and realise that the actress on screen would later become a filmmaker celebrated on international platforms.

An actress who told stories with her expressions…
and a director who went on to tell stories from behind the camera.

That is the fascinating journey of Geetu Mohandas — Actress & Director.

Today, as the director of the much-awaited Toxic, starring Yash, her film making journey is once again in the spotlight.