Entertainment
‘It Has a Patriarchal Vibe… Not Very Complimenting’ Says Tamannaah Bhatia… Shocking Take on South Cinema vs Bollywood Sparks Debate
The actress opens up about the “specific gaze” in South cinema, compares industry structures, and highlights how both Bollywood and South films shape female stardom differently.
Mumbai: In a candid and thought-provoking interview, popular actress Tamannaah Bhatia has stirred a fresh debate across the entertainment industry with her comments on the “patriarchal vibe” she associates with certain storytelling patterns in South Indian cinema.
Speaking to Forbes India, Tamannaah described what she called a “very specific gaze” in films, adding that it often carries a patriarchal tone which, according to her, is not always “very complimenting” for female characters.
She explained that her observation comes from years of experience working across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, where she has been part of nearly 90 films. The actress emphasized that commercial cinema, regardless of region, often operates within certain creative limitations that shape how women are portrayed on screen.
ALSO READ : “Beta, Surgery Kyun Karni Hai?”: Akansha Ranjan Kapoor opens up on freezing her eggs, reveals parents’ emotional reaction
Tamannaah further noted that while South cinema has its own strong “star-driven musical appeal,” it also demands a very specific screen presence. In contrast, she believes the Hindi film industry offers slightly more flexibility, allowing actors to experiment between content-driven roles and glamorous performances.
“In Hindi cinema, there are two kinds of actors… some are more artistic while others excel in commercial glamour. Those who balance both often become superstars,” she said, highlighting how versatility plays a key role in long-term success.
The actress was careful to clarify that her comments are based purely on personal experience and interpretation, not a blanket judgment on either industry. She also pointed out that actresses who sustain long careers are usually those who manage to strike a balance between strong character roles and commercial appeal.
Tamannaah, known for her powerful performances in films like Baahubali, Oopiri, and Aranmanai 4, has also successfully transitioned into the OTT space with shows like Jee Karda, Do You Wanna Partner, and Aakhiri Sach.
On the work front, she will next appear in the upcoming film Vvan – Force of the Forest, alongside actor Sidharth Malhotra, a project already generating buzz among fans.
Her remarks have now ignited fresh discussions online about gender representation, creative freedom, and the evolving nature of Indian cinema across industries.
