In a recent conversation with one of my friends, we were debating the success of South Indian commercial movies and how its attracting masses across India. Their conviction was that the directors from South are new to the industry and from modest backgrounds while the current directors in the Bollywood are not. There is a disconnect with the mass audience when you are brought up with Western ideas and thoughts. While in itself this is a wonderful topic to deep dive into, my happy surprise is the entry of new directors in the Tollywood space who are steering away from misogyny.
Look at movies like Zombie reddy or Adbutham, the lead women have such a great presence in the movie with defined (atleast partially) personalities. Either having a dream of their own or revenge, having a "bad" habit they are away from the purity of previous generation portrayals of lead women. Earlier they were shunned, shamed or lectured for their traits and making own decisions. Trust me I do get that its still far away from an ideal scenario, where I would like to see a woman's character arc mature over time which is the ultimate dipstick for the importance given to the character. Well, not like a Nagma of 90's but more of Sansa or Daenerys of GOT.
Due credit has to be given for the story writer and director for bringing such movies, in this case, Prashanth Varma. His maiden venture 'Awe' was a really hyped up project but received mixed response. Yet, it shows great potential of taking times forward.
Another new-age director who stole my heart is Vivek Athreya. I remember vaguely his earlier venture, Brochevarevarura on TV. It had progressive thought, women ready to take charge of their life and destiny, beyond the traditional meekness. I am glad he brought Leela as another wonderful personality among us. Non judgemental, opinionated, straight forward and deep family sense while still desiring to make a mark of her own, she has all the angles of a modern Indian woman. Kallu from 'Saripodha Sanivaram' though overshadowed as it is expected in an action movie, still shines having a mind of her own.
One thing that stands out these days is the genuine bond girls have with their fathers, sharing their emotions and guilt in opposing them. It gives closer to home feeling. This wasn't a common theme earlier (had lot worse in commercial entertainers) and only lead men were restricted to such connection with their families. Even in a movie like Bommarillu with such an iconic Hasini, her bond with her single father and her guilt in duping him is downplayed significantly. I can spend hours on Hasini character, she was lauded for the cuteness but biggest part of her personality was always lost in translation.
One thing though that stood out for me is Sundar's view of Leela (Ante Sundaraniki) in the last half an hour, where he looks at her in contrast to him and that clearly shows his respect for Leela. It even makes us respect her. However Mr. Vivek, would have loved to see "Show" (may be louder) instead of "Tell" for this aspect of her character.
I think the major difference in the dialogue and portrayal of these women is the mere exposure to women in men's life. Male-female interaction which I saw when growing up was much meagre in Telugu states compared to our neighbours. When I left the comfort of home at 16 and came across Tamil culture, I was shocked at first, skeptical later looking at genders mixing. But overtime I realized the value of such friendships and how it shapes our perspective of the world.
Any case, love to see more of such directors and more of their creations, especially hoping to see women bringing fresh stories and ideas.
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