Actresses-Turned-Producers Bring Emotional Depth, Ensure Budget Discipline
“They naturally bring an emotional core to the storytelling and often keep a tight rein on budgets. These qualities seem to come inherently to them.”
With popular actress Samantha stepping into production with the upcoming new-age film Subham, she joins an impressive list of female stars like Kajal Aggarwal, Niharika Konidela, and Charmme Kaur who have backed films featuring other actors.
“It’s a welcome trend—actresses turning producers,” says senior producer Lagadapati Sridhar. “They naturally bring an emotional core to the storytelling and often keep a tight rein on budgets. These qualities seem to come inherently to them.”
He believes Samantha’s entry into the production world marks a significant shift. “She’s carved out a unique identity in both Tollywood and Bollywood. After delivering powerful performances in films like Oh! Baby and Yashoda, she’s now set to prove her instincts in script selection, execution, and innovative promotion strategies.”
Sridhar also praises Niharika Konidela, who found success with Committee Kurrollu, a nostalgic tribute to childhood friendships. “I’ve heard she’s a hands-on producer—deeply involved in every aspect of the filmmaking process and committed to ensuring the film reaches its audience.”
He goes on to acknowledge veterans like Charmme Kaur and Lakshmi Manchu, who ventured into production years ago. “Female producers bring much-needed discipline to an industry known for its chaos. They contribute creatively to scripts and often take the lead in the filmmaking process. Having once been restricted to star-centric roles, producing gives them the freedom to shape stories and establish their presence in key creative areas.”
Sridhar also mentions trailblazing producers like Swapna Dutt (Kalki 2898 AD), Harika (Mad), and Sushmita Konidela, all of whom have successfully handled big-budget projects.
“And I can’t forget my wife, Sirisha,” he adds with a smile. “She’s the backbone of Ramalakshmi Cine Creations. Her eye for good scripts and disciplined execution within budget has been crucial to our success. Women are smart, practical, and intuitive—we could all learn a thing or two from them. In fact, any husband would be wiser to follow his wife’s advice,” he concludes.