Tamil cinema star Ravi Mohan, formerly known as Jayam Ravi, has been in the spotlight for both personal and professional developments this year. The 44-year-old actor, celebrated for his roles in films like Ponniyin Selvan and Thani Oruvan, announced his separation from his wife, Aarti, in September 2024, sparking a public feud that has escalated with allegations of abuse, property disputes, and a rumored new relationship. Amid the personal turmoil, Ravi continues to make waves in Kollywood with his recent films and a significant rebranding, dropping the “Jayam” moniker from his stage name. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest developments surrounding Ravi Mohan.
Who is Jayam Ravi (Ravi Mohan)?
Born on September 10, 1980, in Tirumangalam, Madurai, Ravi Mohan is the son of veteran film editor A. Mohan and Varalakshmi. He debuted as a lead actor in the 2003 film Jayam, directed by his brother Mohan Raja, which earned him the stage name “Jayam Ravi” due to its blockbuster success. A trained Bharatnatyam dancer and visual communications graduate from Loyola College, Chennai, Ravi has starred in hits like M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi (2004), Santhosh Subramaniam (2008), and Thani Oruvan (2015). His accolades include a Tamil Nadu State Film Award, a Filmfare Award South, and three SIIMA Awards. In January 2025, he reverted to his birth name, Ravi Mohan, marking a new chapter in his career.
Divorce Drama with Aarti Ravi
Ravi announced his separation from Aarti, daughter of producer Sujatha Vijayakumar, on September 9, 2024, after 15 years of marriage. The couple, who wed in 2009 and have two sons, Aarav and Ayaan, cited personal reasons for the split, with Ravi initially describing it as a mutual decision. However, Aarti claimed she was “blindsided” by the announcement, stating it was made without her consent and that she had tried to communicate with Ravi beforehand. The divorce proceedings, filed by Ravi at the Chennai Family Welfare Court with a hearing scheduled for October 10, 2024, have since turned contentious.
In May 2025, Ravi released a lengthy Instagram statement accusing Aarti of years of emotional, physical, and financial abuse, claiming she isolated him from his parents and treated him as a “golden goose” for financial gain. He also alleged that Aarti withheld his personal belongings, including his car, and barred him from their Chennai residence. Aarti denied these claims, asserting that Ravi voluntarily chose not to return home and was seeking ₹40 lakh monthly alimony, a figure that stirred further debate. Ravi also regained control of his Instagram account from Aarti through Meta, escalating their public dispute.
Rumored Relationship with Kenishaa Francis
Adding fuel to the fire, Ravi has been linked to Bengaluru-based singer and spiritual healer Kenishaa Francis. The rumors gained traction after the two were spotted together at a wedding in Chennai in May 2025, prompting Aarti to issue a statement accusing Ravi of neglecting their family. Ravi defended Kenishaa, calling her a “lifeline” who supported him when he left home “barefoot, in a night suit” without his wallet or belongings. Kenishaa faced severe online backlash, including death threats, and responded by sharing screenshots of abusive messages, challenging detractors to take her to court. She also posted cryptic messages about “masculine energy” and self-love, amplifying a follower’s claim that Aarti was playing the “victim card.”
The controversy intensified when singer Suchitra apologized for making allegations against Kenishaa, and Aarti’s mother, Sujatha Vijayakumar, denied claims of financial exploitation. Social media reactions remain polarized, with some fans supporting Ravi’s claims of abuse, while others criticize him for airing personal matters publicly and question Kenishaa’s role in the saga.
Professional Updates and Rebranding
Amid the personal drama, Ravi Mohan has remained active in his career. His 2024 release, Brother, a comedy-drama directed by M. Rajesh and co-starring Priyanka Arul Mohan, hit theaters on October 31 and began streaming on ZEE5 on November 29, crossing 100 million streaming minutes. Other upcoming projects include Genie, a fantasy drama with a new poster released on his 44th birthday, and Kadhalikka Neramillai, both generating buzz among fans. He also stars in JR 34, opposite the Tamil Nadu DGP’s daughter, with filming underway.
In January 2025, Ravi announced his rebranding to Ravi Mohan, dropping “Jayam” to align with his “personal and professional aspirations.” He launched Ravi Mohan Studios, a production house focused on “compelling narratives,” and restructured his fan clubs into the Ravi Mohan Fans Foundation, aimed at community service. These moves signal his intent to reinvent himself after two decades in the industry.
Net Worth and Achievements
While exact figures for Ravi Mohan’s net worth are unavailable, estimates place it in the range of ₹20–50 crore, derived from his acting career, endorsements, and production ventures. His collaborations with his brother Mohan Raja, including M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi and Thani Oruvan, have been box office successes, and his role as Arulmozhivarman in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan series (2022–2023) earned critical acclaim. Ravi’s versatility, from action (Peranmai) to romance (Santhosh Subramaniam), has solidified his status as a leading Tamil actor.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Developments
The divorce saga has divided fans, with some praising Ravi for speaking out about alleged abuse, while others sympathize with Aarti, citing her role as a mother to their sons. Social media platforms like Reddit have debated the authenticity of both parties’ claims, with users noting the legal team’s influence on Aarti’s statements and speculating about custody battles. Posts on X highlight Ravi’s professional resilience, with fans eagerly awaiting Genie and Kadhalikka Neramillai, while others criticize the public nature of his disputes.
As the Chennai Family Court oversees mediation, the focus remains on Ravi and Aarti’s custody battle over Aarav and Ayaan, with Ravi emphasizing his commitment to being a present father. The controversy surrounding Kenishaa Francis continues to stir debate, with her supporters defending her as a “strong, independent woman” and critics questioning her motives.
Conclusion
Ravi Mohan’s 2025 has been a rollercoaster of personal challenges and professional milestones. His decision to revert to his birth name and launch Ravi Mohan Studios reflects a desire for a fresh start, while his ongoing divorce from Aarti and rumored relationship with Kenishaa Francis keep him in the headlines. As Kingdom streams on Netflix and new projects loom, Ravi remains a polarizing yet enduring figure in Tamil cinema. Fans and critics alike are watching closely as his personal and professional narratives unfold, with the court’s October hearing likely to bring further clarity to this high-profile saga.
