Tamil actor Ravi Mohan has reversed his decision to step away from films, months after announcing that he would not act until his divorce was finalised.
Speaking at the JFW Achievers Awards, Ravi admitted that he had made the earlier announcement in an emotional state and apologised to his fans and members of the film industry.
The actor, who has been in the headlines over his separation from wife Aarti Ravi and his reported breakup with singer-healer Keneeshaa Francis, said he would no longer distance himself from cinema.
“I am turning 46 this year. Half of my life has been spent in cinema. It is unfortunate that a small mistake of mine hurt you all so much,” Ravi said.
He explained that personal emotions had overwhelmed him at the time, but people from the industry urged him not to walk away from films.
“I was emotional, but everyone in the industry told me they would accept anything I said except that I was leaving cinema. I apologise to all of them,” he said.
Ravi also promised his fans that he would return strongly.
“I won’t betray my fans anymore. I will definitely come back,” he said, expressing gratitude to those who supported him.
The actor added that his emotional outburst had at least encouraged more people to speak about mental health.
He said several people who related to his struggles had contacted him and credited his fans for helping him regain confidence.
Ravi had broken down at a press conference in May while speaking about his divorce and his two sons. At the time, he said he had not seen them for a long period and strongly objected to people questioning his love for them.
He claimed that he had continued paying around Rs 50 lakh towards his sons’ school fees and recalled how closely involved he had been in their lives.
During the same press conference, Ravi announced that he would stop acting until his divorce was completed, saying he was mentally unable to continue working amid personal attacks and public humiliation.
But that decision has now been withdrawn.
Ravi married Aarti, daughter of producer Sujatha Vijayakumar, in 2009. The couple have two sons. In September 2024, he announced their separation after 15 years of marriage.
What initially appeared to be a private split soon turned into a bitter public dispute, with both sides making allegations against each other.
Around the same period, Ravi was linked to Keneeshaa Francis. Though the two initially described themselves as friends, their joint appearance at a wedding later fuelled relationship rumours.
Speculation of a breakup grew after Keneeshaa quit Instagram and wrote that she was releasing Ravi “with love and complete detachment”.
Despite his earlier announcement, Ravi was later confirmed as part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe film Benz, starring Raghava Lawrence. He also has Karathey Babu and Genie awaiting release.
For now, Ravi Mohan has made one thing clear — his personal battle will continue, but he is not quitting cinema.
