Malavika shot to fame at the age of 19, with her debut in the 1999 Tamil movie Unnai Thedi with Ajith Kumar directed by Sundar C. The film went on to become a major blockbuster.
However, the film Pooparika Varugirom flopped, although the cast included Sivaji Ganesan.
[citation needed] From 2000 to 2003 all her film did not perform well at the box office except Vetri Kodi Kattu and Seenu.
She was also a part of Mani Ratnam's stage show, Netru Indru Naalai.
In 2007, she appeared in supporting roles such as Vyapari, Thirumagan, Sabari, Manikanda and Naan Avanillai.