Born into a family of artists, Jyothika began her acting career in the late 1990s. Her early films, such as Gnanapazham (1996) and Poochakula (1997), showcased her talent, but it was her breakout performance in Chandralekha (1998) that catapulted her to stardom. Her on-screen chemistry with co-star Arjun earned her widespread recognition, and she soon became known for her captivating performances in romantic dramas.