Telugu actresses are shrugging off their ‘soft’ image and tapping into their ruthless side
Gone are the days of actresses playing soft and gentle ladies who serve mainly ornamental purposes in the storyline. In a bid to match the ruthless action roles of their male colleagues like Prabhas, Jr. NTR and Allu Arjun, Telugu actresses are embracing violent characters – they are turning into fierce and merciless warriors. Anushka Shetty is seen slitting a thug’s throat with a sickle in the trailer of Ghaati and Keerthy Suresh has unleashed her brutal side in Saani Kaayidham and Akka, proving she can stand toe-to-toe with heroes.
Producer M.S. Raju believes this shift isn’t necessarily about competing with male stars. “I don’t think they are trying to match heroes. Instead, they are exploring roles that challenge their image,” he says. Referring to Anushka’s intense role in Ghaati, he says, “It’s a dark character, but she must have found something unique in the script. She’s always been versatile, seamlessly shifting from the supernatural thriller Arundhati to the light-hearted Miss Shetty Mister Polishetty. She’s the closest to Vijayashanti when it comes to leading ladies playing powerful roles.” Keerthy Suresh, too, is pushing boundaries, choosing complex, layered characters over stereotypical ‘good girl’ roles. “In Mahanati, she portrayed shades of grey even at a young age. Now, in Saani Kaayidham and Akka, she’s tapping into her fiery side, expanding her fan base,” Raju observes.
Adding to this trend, Nayanthara’s upcoming film Rakkayie features her in an intense, rage-fuelled role. The trailer shows her annihilating opponents in a way that sends chills down the spine. Telugu cinema is witnessing a shift – actresses are no longer fragile flowers, they are wildfire.
I don’t think they are trying to match heroes. Instead, they are exploring roles that challenge their image.” — M.S. Raju, Producer
