Male dominance in film industry is an ongoing debate. Yet, it’s a fact considering the double standards women face when it comes to film making and the audience’s choice. Fortunately, when it comes to the Indian small screen or the television industry, the scenario is completely opposite to that of the silver screen. Women-centric stories and shows rule the roost, here. The actresses are the stars, even including villains who shine as vamps. The Kannada small screen which is in its prime era, has a large share of such shows, programmes and reality TV, all primarily aimed at the female audience. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.
“Despite a lot of changes in the way stories are told on the big screen with many sensible filmmakers attempting to show life from a female point of view, the industry, by and large, remains male dominant, especially the commercial films, barring a few exceptional and experimental ones. Their roles are also limited to either being the face of glamour or with much lesser relevance as just a love interest in any saga. It is understandable as the money invested is expected to hit back with profit,” says film director Chandru.
However, the television has given women a new lease of life. “It is such a pleasant phenomenon on small screen that, it is mostly for the women and by the women audience. The supply and demand chain is perfectly suited. Women constitute a major audience in the Indian telly market, and thus the kind of serials and shows produced to tap their target audience for higher rating points is the way forward,” says writer Ashwini.
Actress Kavya shares that the biggest advantage of working in the small screen industry is that the unwritten rules when working in the film industry do not apply to the TV industry, thankfully.
“After a certain period of time, filmmakers look out for fresh faces and being an actress in films comes with a huge ask. It is mostly to look good on screen, barring a few character-oriented and challenging roles. However, the shelf life of a TV actress is long. One can act as long as the person wants to. The audience recognises our work, and we become a part of their life unlike in the movies, where if a movie flops, the actress is long forgotten unless she makes a comeback in a successful venture,” she adds.
Producer Krishna concludes this by saying that with 99 per cent of Indian television dramas revolving around women, the trend continues.
