The world of gangsters on the big screen is no longer a male-dominated domain. Actresses are now taking center stage, and the trend is gaining momentum. From the dark underworld of “KGF” and “Salar” to the action-packed “Animal,” the buzz around gangsters is palpable. But what’s exciting is that female characters are now being portrayed in a more raw and unapologetic manner, shedding their traditional roles and embracing their inner gangster.
It’s not that female characters have never appeared in action entertainers or gangster films before. However, the recent surge in projects featuring actresses as gangsters or in action-packed roles is noteworthy. Netflix, for instance, has announced several projects with female leads playing gangster-type characters. Huma Qureshi will be seen running a human trafficking ring in “Delhi Crime 3,” while Kirti Suresh and Radhika Apte will face off in the role of “Gangster Queens” in “Akka.” In another Netflix series, “Dabba Cartel,” Shabana Azmi, Jyothika, and Sai Tamhankar will be seen running drug businesses from their chawl.
The South Indian film industry is also jumping on the bandwagon, with top actresses announcing projects that promise to match the level of films like “KGF” and “Salar.” Nayantara, for example, will be seen in an action warrior avatar in her new Tamil film “Rakkayie,” where she’s expected to deliver solid emotional depth to her character. The first look of the film shows her fighting with fifty men, a style of action typically reserved for male heroes. Another big actress from the South, Anushka Shetty, will also be seen in a dreaded action avatar this year in the Telugu film “Ghaati.” The first look of the film has already generated quite a buzz, with people eager to see Anushka in a new light.
But how have female action films fared in the past? Tamil and Telugu industries have made some notable female action films, but their success at the box office has been moderate. Anushka Sharma’s “NH 10” (2015) and Rani Mukherjee’s “Mardaani” (2014) are examples of films that worked well, but the explosion at the box office was not on par with that of male-led gangster films. More recently, Alia Bhatt’s “Jigra” (2022) and Kangana Ranaut’s “Dhaakad” (2022) failed to impress at the box office, despite praise from critics.
In the South, female action films have been fewer and farther between. However, some strong female action leads have appeared on the big screen in recent years. Varalakshmi Sharatkumar’s villainous role in “Sandakozhi 2” (2018) and Trisha’s character in “Kodi” (2016) are notable examples. Kirti Suresh’s performance in “Sani Kayidam” (2022) was particularly striking, with her character Ponney being compared to the likes of Rocky from “KGF” and Marco from “Animal.”
As filmmakers from South to Bollywood continue to bring actresses in blood-filled action and gangster characters, it will be interesting to see how the public reacts. Will these characters gain the same popularity as their male counterparts, or will they fade into obscurity? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the landscape of gangster films is changing, and female characters are taking center stage.
Women’s Eye in Crime and Action
The recent surge in female-led gangster films is not just about showcasing women in traditional roles. It’s about exploring the complexities of female characters in a male-dominated world. With more projects in the pipeline, it will be exciting to see how these characters evolve and capture the audience’s imagination.
South Female Action Movies
While Bollywood has had its fair share of female action films, the South Indian film industry has been slower to adapt. However, with the recent success of films like “Kodi” and “Saani Kaayidham,” it’s clear that the tide is turning. As more actresses take on action-packed roles, it will be interesting to see how they fare at the box office and with audiences. Will they be able to match the success of their male counterparts, or will they carve out their own niche? The future of female gangster films looks promising, and it’s an exciting time for fans of the genre.
