Tamil cinema has a history of featuring women in powerful roles, dating back to 1969 with Sowcar Janaki’s portrayal as a collector in “Iru Kodugal.” However, it’s only recently that the industry has witnessed a significant shift, presenting female characters who truly embody the power of their positions. From Nayanthara’s principled civil servant in “Aramm” (2017) to Kangana Ranaut and Ramya Krishnan portraying J Jayalalithaa, Tamil cinema now boasts memorable and impactful female leads.
Even fictional characters draw parallels to Jayalalithaa, as seen in recent biopics such as “Thalaivii” and the web series “Queen.” Ajayan Bala, the writer of “Thalaivii,” notes the enduring appeal of the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, stating that fictional female characters in politics often share similarities with her. Beyond the political realm, these stories depict the journey of a woman succeeding in a male-dominated world, offering a glimpse into the challenges she faced.
Film historian and producer G Dhananjayan observes that historically, women with career aspirations in Tamil cinema were limited to one-dimensional roles as villains or mere accessories in the hero’s world. However, the industry has evolved, leaving behind regressive portrayals. Notable instances include Nayanthara’s role in “Aramm,” where she breaks free from clichés by portraying a district collector without the usual romantic or family subplots.
In big-budget films like “Kodi” and “Sarkar,” Trisha and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar play powerful female characters with political ambitions. Director RS Durai Senthilkumar emphasizes the importance of giving these characters depth and perspective, acknowledging the hero’s role in providing equal standing to the actress in the story. For example, in “Kodi,” Trisha’s character Rudra, though a grey character, is portrayed with passion and determination.
Gopi Nainar, director of “Aramm,” highlights the impact of a male writer’s perception when creating female characters. In the case of Nayanthara’s character Madhivadhani, a district collector without typical romantic or familial entanglements, Gopi’s Marxist, Leninist, Ambedkarite, and Periyarist perspectives influenced the portrayal. Despite initial challenges in finding a male lead for the film, Nayanthara’s involvement led to no changes in the character, reinforcing the importance of authentic representation.
Anjum Rajabali, the writer of “Rajneeti” (2010), draws parallels between political narratives in films and real-life situations. In the movie, Katrina Kaif’s character contests elections after her family decides for her, reflecting the complexities often found in political dynamics.
In essence, Tamil cinema’s portrayal of powerful women has matured, moving beyond stereotypical depictions and embracing characters with depth, passion, and authenticity.
