Recent box office disappointments for some established South Indian actresses have sparked debate about the opportunities available to women over 30 in Tollywood films.
Kajal Aggarwal’s debut female-centric movie “Satyabhama” and Anjali’s “Geetanjali Malli Vachindi” reportedly failed to impress audiences. While Trisha Krishnan is attached to the upcoming “Viswambhara” alongside Chiranjeevi, it seems a long wait after her previous projects.
Producer Lagadapati Sridhar suggests a limited role pool for older actresses, stating, “They have to look for female-centric movies since some heroes will shy away from working with them.” He believes actresses above 35 struggle to find “plum roles.”
However, producer Vishnu Induri offers a contrasting perspective. He argues that age isn’t a barrier for talented actresses, suggesting they might be seeking diverse roles beyond typical commercial fare. He predicts “glam divas” will continue to be part of big-budget productions due to their enduring popularity.
Anushka Shetty’s recent romantic comedy “Miss Shetty Mister Polishetty” exemplifies this desire to break free from stereotypes. Hemanth Madhukar, a film analyst, highlights Shetty’s ability to excel in both big-budget films like “Baahubali” and female-led projects like “Rudramadevi.”
Madhukar encourages established actresses to explore both star-driven and women-oriented projects, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance to extend their careers and cater to their loyal fan bases.
This debate reflects a potential shift in Tollywood. While some actresses might face challenges securing traditional heroine roles opposite younger actors, others are actively seeking diverse opportunities and proving their talent can shine across genres. The industry may be evolving towards a space where age is less of a factor and experience is valued.