<p>New Delhi: Actor Harshaali Malhotra, popular for her role of Munni in Salman Khan-starrer <em>Bajrangi Bhaijaan</em>, has joined the cast of <em>Akhanda 2: Thaandavam</em>.</p><p>The upcoming Telugu film is a sequel to the 2021 release <em>Akhanda</em>. Directed by Boyapati Sreenu, who also helmed the first part, the film is slated to hit the big screen on September 25. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in the lead.</p><p>Malhotra,17, will play Janani in the film, which also marks her Telugu debut.</p><p>Production and distribution company 14 Reels Plus shared Malhotra's casting news on its official X handle on Wednesday.</p><p>"A smile of an angel and a heart of gold. Introducing Bajrangi Bhaijaan fame #HarshaaliMalhotra as 'JANANI' from #Akhanda2. #Akhanda2 THANDAAVAM IN THEATRES DUSSEHRA 25th SEPTEMBER," read the caption.</p>.<p>Malhotra made her film debut in 2015 with Kabir Khan's <em>Bajrangi Bhaijaan</em>. She featured in the role of Shahida Aziz, better known by the name of Munni. The film emerged as a box office hit and also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui.</p><p>It revolved around Salman Khan's character, a simple-minded Hanuman devotee, Pawan, who crosses paths with a mute girl, Munni, from Pakistan after she strays accidentally into India. It follows his attempts to unite the child (Malhotra) with her parents across the border.</p>.Disha Patani to feature in Vishal Bhardwaj's next movie.<p>Before starring in <em>Bajrangi Bhaijaan</em>, Malhotra appeared in television serials <em>Qubool Hai</em> and <em>Laut Aao Trisha</em>.</p><p>Sharing the poster of her new film on Instagram, Malhotra said her character Munni has been a "feeling, memory and a heartbeat" for her. But she is now ready to return to the screen with a different role.</p>.<p>"Munni was not just a character, she was a feeling, a memory, a heartbeat-something that stayed with you and with me. After all these years, I've held on to your love patiently, silently, and with a heart full of gratitude.</p><p>"While you were remembering Munni, I was preparing, learning, growing and becoming. So that one day, when I return, I return not just as that little girl, but as someone ready to feel everything again on screen, with you. And now, I'm finally ready to share her with you. Meet JANANI - a new story, a new emotion, a new chapter of me. From Munni's silence to JANANI's voice, this isn't just my return- It's ours. She laughs, she dreams, she speaks from the heart, and I've poured my soul into every scene," she wrote.</p><p><em>Akhanda 2</em> will release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam languages.</p>
<p>New Delhi: Actor Harshaali Malhotra, popular for her role of Munni in Salman Khan-starrer <em>Bajrangi Bhaijaan</em>, has joined the cast of <em>Akhanda 2: Thaandavam</em>.</p><p>The upcoming Telugu film is a sequel to the 2021 release <em>Akhanda</em>. Directed by Boyapati Sreenu, who also helmed the first part, the film is slated to hit the big screen on September 25. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in the lead.</p><p>Malhotra,17, will play Janani in the film, which also marks her Telugu debut.</p><p>Production and distribution company 14 Reels Plus shared Malhotra's casting news on its official X handle on Wednesday.</p><p>"A smile of an angel and a heart of gold. Introducing Bajrangi Bhaijaan fame #HarshaaliMalhotra as 'JANANI' from #Akhanda2. #Akhanda2 THANDAAVAM IN THEATRES DUSSEHRA 25th SEPTEMBER," read the caption.</p>.<p>Malhotra made her film debut in 2015 with Kabir Khan's <em>Bajrangi Bhaijaan</em>. She featured in the role of Shahida Aziz, better known by the name of Munni. The film emerged as a box office hit and also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui.</p><p>It revolved around Salman Khan's character, a simple-minded Hanuman devotee, Pawan, who crosses paths with a mute girl, Munni, from Pakistan after she strays accidentally into India. It follows his attempts to unite the child (Malhotra) with her parents across the border.</p>.Disha Patani to feature in Vishal Bhardwaj's next movie.<p>Before starring in <em>Bajrangi Bhaijaan</em>, Malhotra appeared in television serials <em>Qubool Hai</em> and <em>Laut Aao Trisha</em>.</p><p>Sharing the poster of her new film on Instagram, Malhotra said her character Munni has been a "feeling, memory and a heartbeat" for her. But she is now ready to return to the screen with a different role.</p>.<p>"Munni was not just a character, she was a feeling, a memory, a heartbeat-something that stayed with you and with me. After all these years, I've held on to your love patiently, silently, and with a heart full of gratitude.</p><p>"While you were remembering Munni, I was preparing, learning, growing and becoming. So that one day, when I return, I return not just as that little girl, but as someone ready to feel everything again on screen, with you. And now, I'm finally ready to share her with you. Meet JANANI - a new story, a new emotion, a new chapter of me. From Munni's silence to JANANI's voice, this isn't just my return- It's ours. She laughs, she dreams, she speaks from the heart, and I've poured my soul into every scene," she wrote.</p><p><em>Akhanda 2</em> will release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam languages.</p>