Yami Gautam Opens Up on Playing Supernatural 'Witch' Mohini in 'Nayi Naveli'

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-10-10 07:33:00

Acclaimed actress Yami Gautam is all set to surprise moviegoers with a brand-new avatar as she headlines the upcoming supernatural drama Nayi Naveli, hitting the big screens on October 16. Taking on the enigmatic role of a witch named Mohini, the star navigates a rare cinematic cocktail of dark fantasy, situational comedy, raw emotion, and high-octane action. Breaking her silence on the complex preparation behind the character, Gautam revealed what drew her to the role and how she managed to balance multiple conflicting shades without turning the character into a caricature.

Finding Warmth and Mischief in a Supernatural Entity

When questioned about juggling intense emotion, fantasy elements, and comedy, Gautam underscored that discovering relatable human traits within a mythical persona was her top priority:

Relatable Feminine Warmth: Gautam pointed out that her strongest connection was with the underlying warmth of Mohini, comparing her presence to a familiar figure one might have grown up around or who could easily fit into one's own family.

Unpredictable Mystique: Contrasting that familiarity with eerie suspense, she added that the true thrill came from Mohini's unpredictability, mischief, and underlying enigma, where viewers can never quite anticipate her next calculated move.

Collaborative Vision: Crafting the Look with Director Balaji

The actress credited the project's director for framing clear boundaries and guiding the fine line between fantasy and dramatic restraint:

Balancing Contrasts: Gautam noted that director Balaji possessed an exceptionally sharp understanding of Mohini's universe, which provided clear creative parameters on how far to push each emotional and supernatural beat.

Meticulous Styling and Visual Aesthetics: She shared that curating Mohini's specific look—spanning her costumes, authentic traditional jewelry, hairstyle, and aesthetic details—became an essential gateway to internalizing the persona from within.

Grounding Fantasy in Convincing Realism

To ensure the supernatural premise resonated deeply with modern cinephiles, the production team prioritized authentic world-building:

Designing a Lived-In Persona: The actress explained that the creative team focused heavily on visual minutiae so Mohini felt like an authentic human being with a lived-in history that predated the opening scene, rather than an artificial trope conjured solely for a fantasy script.

Connecting with the Audience: Gautam stated that establishing this grounded sense of realism is precisely what anchors viewers, allowing them to suspend disbelief and remain emotionally invested even when the protagonist is thrust into the most astonishing supernatural dilemmas.

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