R Madhavan revealed that he took a break from acting for four years because he was very unhappy with the work he was doing at that time. The actor took a break from films in 2011 and returned with Saala Qadoos in 2016 – a comeback that marked a clear shift from his earlier romantic roles to serious, writer-driven performances.In a recent interview, Madhavan explained that he needed a break for both creative and personal clarity, and that the hiatus is ultimately what he calls the second phase of his career.
Reacting to Padma Shri win, R Madhavan says the honor will drive his options forward
Talking to Unfiltered Entertainment, Madhavan said that the turning point came during the overseas shooting. “Vikram Veda happened to me after a sabbatical. Before Sala Qadoos, I had to take a break because I was so disillusioned with what I was doing.
I am shooting for a Tamil song in Switzerland in orange pants and green shirt.An unexpected moment on the set forced him to look inside. “I was in the middle of the road and there was this Swiss farmer sitting there, looking at us in utter disgust. Drinking a cup of tea, wondering what we were doing. I looked at him and thought, come to Chennai, I’ll show you who I am.”
‘I literally dance to other people’s voices’
What initially bothered him soon became clear.
Madhavan realized how little he was bringing himself to his work. “I was really hurt, but it hit me all of a sudden. I was literally dancing to other people’s tunes. I was a public speaker, how to handle a gun, fly remote planes, ride horses, I do a lot of things. I don’t show any of that in my movies.”He said that his focus was on stardom then. “I’m trying to please the audience, that’s what makes me a superstar.
I realized what I was doing wrong.”
‘You’re going to work like you want to come back from it’
Madhavan also recalls how his wife, Sarita Birje, sensed his growing disconnect. Talking about some of the roles he has played, he said, “Even the characters I play… are like an uneducated starving man from the village trying to fix his career in cricket. I mean Arvindswamy in no way looks like we are uneducated or starving.A conversation at home is decisive. “One day, my wife asked me, ‘What’s wrong with you’. She said you go to work as if you want to come back from it. It actually made a lot of sense,” says Madhavan, referring to the Telugu remake of Thani Oruvan, as an example of roles he feels are logical opposites.
‘I’m probably eating that insight for four years now’
During his four-year hiatus, the actor consciously stayed away from films and advertising work.
“So, I took a break. I wanted to understand where the country was going. I also stopped doing ad films, grew a beard, traveled a lot in Chennai and other parts of India. I talked to the rickshaw guys, what really mattered to them, what was the real price of things that bothered them.”Reflecting on that step, “In four years that insight is probably what I’m eating right now.”
Senior actors should be careful about romance with younger heroines. Madhavan urges: ‘May look cute’
‘Started looking for new directors’
When he returned to acting, Madhavan said he was very clear about what he wanted to do.
“When I came back, I realized that my producers, who were making films with me, were not as forward thinking as I was. Their ability to tell a story still impressed their mentors. I started looking for new directors,” he concluded.That clarity led to brilliant reinvention – from romantic leads to layered performances in films like Vikram Vedha, Shaitaan, Kesari 2, De De Pyaar De 2 and Dhurandhar.
Padma Shri respect
In 2026, R Madhavan received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in recognition of his 25-year career and services to Indian cinema in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu languages. Announced on Republic Day 2026, the actor called the recognition “beyond my wildest dreams”, expressing deep humility and gratitude.
