female gaze

Rashmika Mandanna's upcoming pan-India film 'Mysaa' has introduced Tarak Ponnappa as the fierce character 'EERA' via a new poster. The film, slated for a 2026 release, promises an intense female-led narrative set in tribal lands. The teaser hints at Mandanna portraying a powerful and vengeful protagonist, with international stunt expertise enhancing the action.

Amidst backlash over Janhvi Kapoor's portrayal in 'Peddi', actor Prithviraj Sukumaran's old interview resurfaced. He spoke about cinema objectifying women and his commitment to avoiding misogynistic roles. Sukumaran emphasized the need for diverse perspectives, stating he no longer wishes to be part of stories normalizing unhealthy relationships, highlighting a shift in his approach to filmmaking.

As 'Peddi' draws fire for allegedly objectifying Janhvi Kapoor's character Achiyyamma, an April interview in which the actor spoke candidly about consent, over-sexualisation, and her right to object to uncomfortable camera angles has gone viral. Janhvi's remarks made on Raj Shamani's podcast draw a clear line between sensuality she has agreed to and sexualisation imposed without her knowledge or consent, reigniting a wider conversation about the portrayal of women in Indian cinema.

For many viewers, the true talking point of Peddi isn’t its box-office collection, but a glaring contradiction: A narrative championing a community’s struggle for dignity while reducing its leading lady to an objectified visual prop.

Janhvi Kapoor's film 'Peddi' faced backlash for objectifying her character, prompting discussions on actresses' choices. An old clip of Ratna Pathak Shah resurfaced, emphasizing the responsibility of actors to reject such roles. Bhumi Pednekar also highlighted the impact of on-screen actions on societal behavior.

Decades ago, Smita Patil challenged the Indian film industry's reliance on sexualizing women for commercial gain. She advocated for realistic portrayals and meaningful storytelling, questioning why female actors were objectified while male stars were not. Patil's commitment to substance over spectacle and her courageous stance continue to resonate, highlighting her enduring legacy.

Yash's upcoming film 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups' promises a blend of gangster drama and deep emotional storytelling, according to director Geetu Mohandas. Yash highlighted how Mohandas' 'female gaze' brought a nuanced perspective to emotions and relationships, enriching the narrative beyond typical action. The film also features strong, independent female characters, moving beyond conventional gangster tropes.

Aditi Rao Hydari captivated fans with a recent social media post showcasing her in a traditional saree, humorously remarking on its 'revolutionary' styling. The actress, adorned in an intricately embroidered brown saree and a statement necklace, exuded royal charm. This follows her heartfelt birthday wish for husband Siddharth, whom she affectionately calls her 'manicorn'.

Amid criticism surrounding the portrayal of intimacy in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, actor-producer Yash has come out in strong support of filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, crediting her for bringing a distinct “female gaze” to the action genre. He went on to highlight how working with Geetu differed from his experiences with male directors.

The unapologetically lusting woman is gathering steam in Bollywood as well....

The unapologetically lusting woman is gathering steam in Bollywood as well....

The unapologetically lusting woman is gathering steam in Bollywood as well....

The unapologetically lusting woman is gathering steam in Bollywood as well....

The unapologetically lusting woman is gathering steam in Bollywood as well....

The unapologetically lusting woman is gathering steam in Bollywood as well....

The unapologetically lusting woman is gathering steam in Bollywood as well....