Yami Gautam is stepping into a world of magic — literally. The actor, fresh off her National Award for Article 370, is set to play Mohini in Nayyi Navelli, a fantasy family entertainer that lands in theatres on October 16, just in time for Dussehra. No grand cosmic battles, no CGI-heavy spectacle, just a woman who feels like someone you’ve known since childhood, yet might vanish mid-sentence into a cloud of mischief. That’s the pitch: warmth with a wink, familiarity with a twist. Yami herself described the role as a balancing act. “a certain mystery and mischief” wrapped in the kind of everyday presence you’d find at your aunt’s kitchen table. She wanted Mohini to feel real, even in a story where logic takes a backseat. So the costume? Traditional. The jewellery? Grounded. The hair? Nothing too theatrical. Just a woman who could be your neighbour, but might also summon a storm with a glance. Director Balaji Mohan, she says, was key in shaping that duality, his vision kept the character from tipping into caricature. The film is produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma under Colour Yellow, with Amazon MGM Studios backing it. It’s written by Himanshu Sharma and Divy Nidhi Sharma. And yes, it’s a family film. But not the kind that treats kids like passive viewers. There’s humour, action, emotion. And one very unpredictable lead. The question now isn’t whether Mohini will charm audiences, it’s how long she’ll stay in their heads after the credits roll. The project marks a shift for Yami, who’s been praised for intense dramatic roles, now embracing a character defined by emotional warmth and playful unpredictability. Her connection to the role wasn’t just about performance. It was about resonance. ‘What I really connected with was her warmth,’ she said. ‘There’s something very familiar about her, almost like a woman you’ve grown up around or someone you could easily have in your own family.’ But beneath that comfort lies an edge. You never quite know what she’s going to do next. That contrast, between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Was central to her interpretation. Balaji Mohan, she added, had a clear sense of who Mohini was and the world she belonged to, which helped anchor the performance. The film’s release on October 16 positions it as a festive-season contender, aiming to ride the wave of holiday energy with a mix of heart, whimsy, and surprise. Whether it holds momentum beyond opening weekend remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: Mohini isn’t just a character. She’s a mood. And she arrives with a smile, and a secret.