Fresh, female narratives is what Kannada cinema needs

For decades, women in Kannada cinema have largely been shown through narrow lenses — often silent, stereotyped, or spoken for. In a chat with Bangalore Times, Kannada actors Roshini Prakash, Kushee Ravi, Sangeetha Bhat, and Sindhu Murthy challenge these portrayals, saying cinema can offer a truer picture of women when their stories are told from their own perspectives. The actresses, who will be seen together in Naaku Tanti, an anthology of short films exploring these themes, say it’s about time women are seen and heard as fully rounded individuals on screen. Roshini Prakash highlights how women’s perspectives can offer entirely new ways of seeing everyday life. “It’s always nice to hear a female’s point of view because it’s rarely explored in cinema. Even familiar stories feel fresh when told through women’s eyes,” she notes. “Their experiences, choices, and viewpoints often go unnoticed, and showing them brings nuance and authenticity that’s missing in many narratives. Cinema has always been about telling stories that people already know, but what matters is how you show them,” she adds. For Kushee Ravi, cinema isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a chance to challenge stereotypes and show the full spectrum of women’s lives. “In our films, women are often restricted to stereotypes, but in reality, we do so much more. From a homemaker to a corporate woman, each one is multitasking, carrying pressure both at work and at home, and still pushing forward. That strength deserves to be shown on screen,” she says. Often, the stories of women are shown through the lens of hardship or melodrama. Sindhu emphasises that it doesn’t have to be that way. “Women’s stories can be funny, witty, sarcastic, lighthearted, and full of joy. Women needn’t be portrayed as victims to be compelling; they can be fun, humorous, and strong-headed personalities shaping their own lives. That’s how I see women, and I think we need more diverse perspectives like that,” she notes. Sangeetha Bhat believes cinema can give voice to women whose stories often go unheard. “Everyday stories of women rarely come out because they feel embarrassed or don’t have the voice to speak for themselves. Cinema should speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Films should also help bring awareness to other women,” Sangeetha says.