‘It’s a Patriarchal Vibe’: Tamannaah Bhatia makes candid comparison between south cinema and bollywood

Mumbai: Actress Tamannaah Bhatia, one of the few stars who have successfully built thriving careers in both South Indian cinema and Bollywood, has sparked discussion with her candid remarks about the differences between the two film industries.

In a recent conversation with Forbes India, Tamannaah reflected on her journey across industries and spoke openly about how commercial cinema functions in different parts of the country. Drawing from her own experiences, the actress said that South cinema often carries what she described as a “patriarchal vibe” and operates through a “very specific gaze.”

The actress explained that while both industries have their own strengths and limitations, she believes the Hindi film industry offers performers greater freedom to explore diverse kinds of roles.

According to Tamannaah, Bollywood allows actors to choose between commercially glamorous projects and more artistic, character-driven performances. She noted that performers who can successfully balance both worlds often emerge as some of the industry’s biggest stars.

“In the Hindi film industry, there are actors who lean towards artistic storytelling and others who thrive in glamorous, mainstream entertainers. The industry gives space for both approaches,” she said during the interaction.

Speaking about her experience in commercial South cinema, Tamannaah pointed out that the industry often demands a particular screen presence and star appeal. She suggested that there is a distinct perspective through which female performers are viewed in certain mainstream projects.

The actress remarked that this “specific gaze” can sometimes feel restrictive, especially when viewed from a commercial standpoint. However, she was careful to clarify that her observations stem solely from her personal experiences and should not be interpreted as a blanket assessment of the entire industry.

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Having spent nearly two decades in the entertainment world, Tamannaah has witnessed the evolution of Indian cinema firsthand. From blockbuster Telugu and Tamil films to major Bollywood projects, she has consistently remained one of the country’s most recognizable and versatile performers.

Her comments have reignited conversations about representation, gender dynamics, and creative opportunities in India’s film industries. As audiences continue to debate her observations, many have also praised the actress for speaking honestly about challenges that female actors often encounter while navigating mainstream cinema.

On the professional front, Tamannaah is preparing for the release of her upcoming film ‘Vvan: Force of the Forest’. The project is directed by Deepak Mishra and backed by producers Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar, and Niraj Kothari. The film is being produced under Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with TVF Motion Pictures and 11:11 Productions.

With an exciting slate of projects ahead, Tamannaah continues to remain one of the most influential voices in Indian entertainment—both on-screen and off-screen.