A lot of the time, female characters in the films were often limited to stereotypical roles as love interests or passive figures, and recently we have seen them taking the main lead in strong, complex stories that challenge societal norms and examine intricate themes. Films like 'Arundhati', 'Kanaa', 'Gargi', and upcoming releases such as 'The Girlfriend', 'Mysaa', 'Bangaram', and 'Ghaati' show a shift.
From stereotypes to strength of female characters
Historically, Indian cinema very often relegated the female to an ornamental role in historical stories starring male heroes. The woman in these stories is often glamorous or tragic, and the films are always about the male characters, never the female. However, the last decades have ushered in a shift in attitudes, led by films like 'Arundhati' produced in 2009 under the direction of Kodi Ramakrishna. In the film Anushka Shetty has an archetypal role as a self-determined woman dealing with supernatural forces and patriarchy. It's a fascinating story with a feminist undertone that captivated audiences. After the success of these films, there was a newfound interest in women leading stories.
This storytelling pattern continued with films like 'Kanaa', a Tamil sports drama by Arunraja Kamaraj starring Aishwarya Rajesh as an aspiring cricketer caught in a combination of systemic gender disenfranchisement and her financial limits. 'Kanaa' is not dissimilar to 'Gargi' directed by Gautham Ramachandran, featuring Sai Pallavi as a schoolteacher caught up in an unethical legal system as she tries to secure her father and his freedom. In the near future, we would see more movies like 'The Girlfriend' and 'Mysaa' led by Rashmika Mandanna, 'Bangaram' by Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and 'Ghaati' by Anushka Shetty.
Tackling social issues through cinema
Women-centered films in South Indian cinema have become a powerful way to tackle social issues like gender equality, domestic violence, and empowerment. Arundhati skillfully integrated resistance against patriarchal norms into her story, with Anushka's character defying traditional feminine expectations. 'Kanaa' confronted gender biases in sports, showing a young woman's struggle against social prejudice. 'Gargi' examined how gender, class, and justice intersect, with Sai Pallavi’s character facing systemic corruption.
Directors are increasingly using these narratives to spark dialogue. Arunraja Kamaraj, as per an Indian Express report said about 'Kanaa', "I am a cricketer myself, and I have represented my college in the zonal matches that had teams from all over Tamil Nadu. The film is also based on my own experiences. When I pitched in an idea to Siva, he got excited and gave me the confidence to pursue further. Kanaa isn’t just about cricket and women empowerment, it addresses the importance of agriculture, parents’ relationship with their children, unfulfilled ambitions. The film would be relevant at any given time given the universally-appealing nature of its script,” he added.
Several films are in the works and continue the positive trend. Bangaram, directed by a yet-to-be-named filmmaker, is slated to present Samantha in a formidable role, assuming the fierce saree and gun in the poster is an indication.
Actresses making a change
Actresses like Anushka Shetty, Nayanthara, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Rashmika Mandanna play crucial roles in advancing women-focused narratives. Anushka Shetty, often referred to as the "Queen of Tollywood," has consistently chosen roles that defy norms. Her performances in 'Arundhati,' 'Rudhramadevi (2015), and Baahubali (2015-2017) showcased her ability to balance strength and vulnerability.
Nayanthara, known as the "Lady Superstar," has reshaped the industry with films like 'Maya', 'Kolamaavu Kokila', and 'Puthiya Niyamam'. Her ability to lead films, along with her production projects, has made her a trailblazer.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has also emerged as a force, with films like 'Oh! Baby' and 'Yashoda' proving her box-office appeal. Her upcoming film 'Bangaram' is expected to showcase her skill. Rashmika Mandanna, moving from romantic roles in 'Geetha Govindam' to significant parts in 'Pushpa', is set to shine in 'The Girlfriend' and 'Mysaa'. 'The Girlfriend' is expected to release this year.
Audience reception and commercial viability
Though 'Oh! Baby' and 'Yashoda' were over Rs 100 crore together, and 'Kolamaavu Kokila' was a sleeper hit known for its dark humour and Nayanthara's performance. Women-centric films are not always commercially viable. In a 2023 interview with The Hindu, producer Lagadapati Sridhar said, "While stars like Samantha and Anushka attract crowds, smaller women-led films need better marketing to compete." Meanwhile, Nayanthara's previous outing was 'Test'. Rashmika Mandanna was recently seen in 'Kuberaa'.
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