New sensation Rashmika Mandanna doing her first female-centric film ‘The Girlfriend’ and is set to boost the chances of lady-oriented films in Tollywood.
Even popular actress Tamannaah is doing her first author-backed role in her upcoming film ‘Odela 2’. Before them, glam diva Kajal Aggarwal essayed a tough cop role in her maiden film ‘Satyabhama’. “It seems to be the season for actresses to explore author-backed roles and intend to become crowd pullers on their own,” admits director Hemanth Madhukar and explains the merits, "If we cast a heroine as the protagonist, we can bring out varied emotions through their performances, unlike a hero-centric movie, where directors are restricted to just depict action and romance. Woman as protoganist, challenges directors writing skills.Of course, many heroines want to jump into the lady-centric bandwagon, but only a handful can make a mark," he says and adds, "After Nishabdham', I have readied an exciting script for an actress and will soon announce a women-oriented film, ‘he adds.
Justifying heroines going for makeovers and doing female-centric movies, producer Mohan Tikka who made ‘Satyabhama’ said, “When Kajal liked our script, it came as a pleasant surprise and she fitted into the role. After proving her mettle in lover girl and performance-centric roles, Kajal turned into a fiery cop and went in for a makeover for her intense role. Her kick-ass action sequences and brooding anger grabbed the audience's attention,” he informs.
Already, Keerthy Suresh (Mahanati to Revolver Rita), joined the elite list of Anushka (Bhaagamathie), Samantha (Yashoda), Tapsee (Anando Brahma), and Anjali (Geetanjali) who carried films on their shoulders and spun box office magic.
“No doubt, some actresses have turned into crowd-pullers. But the hero count is much higher in comparison. However, women play important roles in our lives but their relevance is shrunk on the big screen. Hence, more lady-oriented films will showcase women’s perspective much better and bigger besides exhibiting their multiple shades,’ adds Hemanth.
Giving an actress perspective, actress Payal Rajput who did back-to-back author-backed roles in “Mangalavaram’ and ‘Rakshana’, “Essaying the role of a girl who suffers from Nymphomaniac in ‘Mangalavaram’ which is considered taboo and bold in mainstream cinema was truly a challenge. Thanks to director Ajay Bhupathi, who executed it well and drew sympathy for her ‘ailment’. Besides restraining from turning it into erotic stuff. Every heroine loves to have the spotlight on her but I had this opportunity quite a few times more,” says Payal with a glint of pride.
