Sizzling Beauties turning Showpieces opposite Top Stars

The debate about the representation of female characters in Tollywood movies continues, with actresses voicing their frustration at being relegated to supporting roles that often prioritize glamour over substance.

Recent releases like ‘Devara’ starring Janhvi Kapoor, ‘Double iSmart’ with Kavya Thapar, and ‘Saripodha Sanivaaram’ featuring Priyanka Mohan have come under fire for portraying female leads in underdeveloped roles. While these actresses may benefit from the publicity of working with big stars like Jr. NTR, they lament the lack of depth and complexity in their characters.

Director Teja points to a prevalent trend in Tollywood movies where the focus on hero-centric action sequences and invincible male protagonists overshadows the potential of female characters. “With heroism buildups and action episodes taking more screen time, heroines are going to get a raw deal,” he asserts.

He cites the example of successful films like “Robo” and “Baahubali” where prominent female roles played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anushka Shetty contributed significantly to the films’ success. He emphasizes the need for directors to create a balance between male and female characters rather than perpetuating a bias towards male leads.

However, producer Vishnu Induri counters these arguments, stating that it all boils down to the specific script and that bias is a myth. He acknowledges that Tollywood is hero-driven, attributing this to the star power of male leads and the desire to cater to their fan bases.

Priyamani, a seasoned actress, offers a balanced perspective, recognizing that the industry has always been hero-driven, but highlighting the growing prominence of female characters. She emphasizes that actresses carefully evaluate scripts before taking on roles and are aware of their screen time and relevance.

She acknowledges that collaborating with big stars expands their reach to a larger audience but insists that actresses have proven their capabilities beyond dancing and glamour. She firmly believes that Tinseltown is changing, and the industry is shedding stereotypes.

The conversation surrounding gender representation in Tollywood films is far from over. While progress is evident, the call for more complex and impactful female roles remains strong. Actresses are determined to break free from the constraints of limited screen time and stereotypical portrayals, seeking meaningful roles that showcase their talent and contribute to a more balanced cinematic landscape.