Tollywood, the vibrant Telugu film industry, is experiencing a delightful resurgence as seasoned actresses in their 30s take center stage, proving that age is no barrier to success. The year 2023 has witnessed the triumph of glam divas, with Shruti Haasan, Anushka Shetty, Kajal Agarwal, Samantha, and Tamannaah making significant impacts with their respective projects.
Shruti Haasan, at 37, is riding high on the success of her hit film ‘Salaar,’ showcasing that talent and charisma surpass age boundaries. Anushka Shetty’s return with ‘Miss Shetty Mister Polishetty’ and Kajal Agarwal’s success in ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’ underline the trend of experienced actresses delivering substantial hits.
The enduring popularity of Samantha, coupled with ‘s success in the special number ‘Kaavaalaa’ in the blockbuster ‘Jailer,’ highlights the continued craze for these talented actresses in Tollywood. Producer Vishnu Induri believes that several of these divas will dominate the industry for years to come due to their enduring charm and popularity.
Age, is not a hindrance for talented and experienced actresses who are venturing into diverse roles, balancing commercial movies with more nuanced performances. The industry veteran asserts that these glam divas will remain integral to big-ticket entertainers in Tollywood, defying conventional expectations.
Anushka Shetty’s strategic move to diversify her roles and avoid being typecast is acknowledged by industry insiders. Director Hemanth Madhukar emphasizes the importance for talented actresses to strike a balance between star-driven and women-oriented films. He encourages them to explore varied genres to prolong their careers, given their established fan following.
While some actresses have transitioned to digital platforms, the recognition of OTT’s reach and content quality is seen as a positive trend. Producer Vishnu acknowledges that female-centric movies may face challenges in securing financiers, but the integration of actresses into the digital space allows them to explore diverse roles and showcase their versatility.
Kajal Aggarwal’s shift towards women-oriented movies, as seen in ‘Satyabhama,’ indicates a growing interest in varied roles. However, Vishnu notes that female-centric movies often struggle to attract financiers, and actresses themselves might prefer a mix of commercial and women-centric projects to maintain a diverse filmography.
In conclusion, Tollywood’s 30-plus divas are not just reclaiming the spotlight; they are reshaping the narrative around age and success in the industry. Their versatility, experience, and continued popularity showcase a promising future for actresses who are navigating the dynamic landscape of Indian cinema.
