Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi

Kochi, Mar 12: Indian actress Prayaga Martin first caught public attention as a teenager in the Malayalam action thriller Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded starring Mohanlal. The film, directed by Amal Neerad, released amid massive expectations as a spiritual spin-off of the classic Irupatham Noottandu.

Though the film received praise for its stylish making and Mohanlal’s performance, it did not match the high expectations at the box office. Nevertheless, Prayaga’s small appearance in the movie drew attention as she shared scenes with the superstar.

Prayaga later revealed in an interview that her association with the performing arts began at the age of five when she started learning dance. She trained in classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam, while also developing an interest in freestyle dancing.

Although she began receiving modelling offers from a very young age, she initially showed little interest in pursuing them. Her perspective changed after she won a best actress award at a state-level school competition, which encouraged her to seriously consider acting as a career. She subsequently began taking modelling assignments while ensuring that her face did not become overly familiar to audiences.

Her career took a turning point when Tamil filmmaker Mysskin noticed one of her advertisements and cast her in the critically acclaimed horror film Pisaasu. Her portrayal of the ghost Bhavani gained significant attention and established her presence in the industry.

She soon landed her first lead role in Malayalam cinema with Oru Murai Vanthu Parthaya, where she again played a supernatural character. Following this breakthrough, she appeared in several Malayalam films including Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan, Ore Mukham, Fukri, Ramaleela and Oru Pazhaya Bomb Kadha. She also played the sister of Prithviraj Sukumaran in Brother's Day and appeared in the Kannada film Geetha.

In Tamil, she featured opposite Suriya in director Gautham Vasudev Menon’s segment Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru in the anthology series Navarasa.

While she continued acting in Malayalam films such as Bhoomiyile Manohara Swakaryam, Enthada Saji, Dance Party and Bullet Diaries, these projects did not significantly boost her career and the number of roles gradually declined.

Prayaga made headlines again in 2024 when her name surfaced in a drug case linked to gangster Omprakash. Police alleged in their remand report that both Prayaga and actor Sreenath Bhasi had visited a hotel room where a drug party was allegedly held.

Prayaga denied the allegations, stating that she did not know Omprakash. She was questioned for around two hours, while Bhasi reportedly faced more extensive questioning. Later, according to reports, the police gave both actors a clean chit in the case on October 12, bringing relief to the actress