It has been almost ten years since the quiet little girl from ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ made the nation fall in love with her innocence. Today Harshaali Malhotra is all grown up and ready to step back into the world of cinema this time with a far more confident and graceful screen presence. She is set to appear in ‘Akhanda 2: Thandavam’ the highly anticipated sequel starring Telugu superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna. Her transformation has been visible through her social media posts but the poster she shared a few months ago made it official. The look revealed a young actress who is ready for serious roles radiating both poise and strength. What is her role in the film? Directed by Boyapati Sreenu ‘Akhanda 2: Thandavam’ also marks Harshaali’s debut in Telugu cinema. She plays Janani a character who appears to hold emotional weight in the story. Akhanda 2: Thandavam release date The film was originally planned for a Dussehra release but faced delays. At the music launch event held recently the team finally unveiled the new release date: 5 December when the film will arrive across India. What did Harshaali say about her journey? Harshaali confirmed her comeback through a touching Instagram post where she reflected on the emotional connection people still have with her role of Munni. She wrote Munni was not just a character; she was a feeling a memory a heartbeat… something that stayed with you and with me. All these years I have held on to your love patiently quietly with a heart full of gratitude. She continued While you were remembering Munni I was preparing learning growing becoming. So that one day when I return I come not just as that little girl but as someone ready to feel everything on screen again. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harshaali Malhotra (@harshaalimalhotra_03) The honesty in her words immediately struck a chord with fans many of whom had watched her journey from childhood to adolescence. What happened at the music launch event? The makers recently held a grand music launch in Mumbai where they unveiled the film’s first single ‘The Thandavam’. The event turned out to be a major draw especially with Nandamuri Balakrishna present. Harshaali stood beside him with a calm elegance that instantly impressed fans and media alike.Composer S. Thaman who is behind the film’s soundtrack hinted at a high-energy musical landscape that matches the intensity of the film. The buzz around the film has only grown since the event with many viewers eager to see Harshaali take on a mature and more demanding role than before. HIighlights Harshaali Malhotra returns to films nearly 10 years after ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’. She makes her Telugu debut with Boyapati Sreenu’s ‘Akhanda 2: Thandavam’. The film is set for a pan-India release on 5 December.