Actresses Marginalised In Hero Centric Films

Actresses marginalised in Hero Centric Films.The much-hyped action film ‘Guntur Kaaram’ has confined happening actress Sreeleela to a few songs and romantic scenes, emphasizing the persisting dominance of male-centric themes in Tollywood. Even the accomplished Shraddha Srinath was constrained to light-hearted moments and tear-shedding in her latest release ‘Saindhav’. Kajal Agarwal's poorly-etched role in ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’, where she, despite playing a psychologist, is portrayed chasing middle-aged hero Balakrishna for love, adds to the narrative.

Director Teja reflects on the situation, lamenting the undervaluation of actresses' capabilities beyond their appearance. He cites his hit film ‘Nene Raju Nene Mantri’ as an example of giving equal importance to Kajal Aggarwal. Teja emphasizes the need for directors to strike a balance between hero and heroine roles, avoiding bias.

Producer Vishnu Induri dismisses claims of bias, attributing screen space allocation to script requirements and the industry's hero-driven nature. Actress Priyamani acknowledges the historical hero-centric nature but notes the evolving role of heroines, emphasizing the importance of listening to scripts before committing to a project.

Priyamani highlights the changing times, where heroines are gaining prominence, working with big stars to reach wider audiences, and showcasing capabilities beyond traditional roles. She calls for shedding stereotypes, noting the transformation in the industry led by new-age filmmakers. Priyamani concludes by urging a departure from stereotyping in the dynamic landscape of the film industry.