From Taapsee to Janhvi: Why Is South Cinema Blamed?

Bollywood Actresses and South Cinema Debate

An actress has every right to speak when she feels uncomfortable on a film set. But when personal experiences repeatedly turn into broad criticism of an entire film industry, questions are bound to follow. A similar debate is now emerging around Bollywood actresses who have worked in South cinema.

Janhvi Kapoor is the latest example. While discussing the backlash over her portrayal in Peddi, she admitted that she should have been more vigilant and used her privilege to speak up. However, she also said bound scripts and detailed camera planning are very rare in South cinema. Her remarks have triggered criticism, particularly because her Telugu film experience is limited to two films.

Interestingly, this is not the first time a Bollywood actress who worked in the South has spoken about uncomfortable experiences here. Taapsee Pannu previously recalled awkward demands on South film sets, including requests related to padded bras and the focus on actresses’ bodies.

Now Radhika Apte has added another dimension to the debate. She questioned why fairer North Indian actresses were preferred over local talent in South films. She also recalled the informal nature of some South film sets, where personal relationships sometimes created expectations to do things as a favour.

There is nothing wrong with these actresses sharing their experiences. If a director, producer or production team makes an actress uncomfortable, she should have every right to question it. However, there is a difference between calling out a particular filmmaker’s approach and suggesting that such practices define an entire industry.

South cinema cannot be judged through the experiences of a few actresses. Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam industries have their own working styles and filmmakers. These industries have also given several Bollywood actresses good opportunities, prominent roles and wider recognition. Of course, not every experience on a film set will be pleasant. But if an actress has a problem with a particular filmmaker or film, why should the entire South industry be blamed?

Nobody is forcing these actresses to work in South films. If they are uncomfortable with certain practices, they can always turn down those projects. Speaking about a bad experience is absolutely justified, but repeatedly portraying an entire industry negatively is unfair. If they are willing to accept the opportunities South cinema offers, they should also be fair while speaking about it.