Actresses from the South now play parts other than romantic interests in movies. The public gets a peek of these actresses’ talent and versatility through these films that focus primarily on women.
1. Arundhati
- Language: Telugu
- Starring: Anushka Shetty, Sonu Sood, Divya Nagesh, Aachi Manoram, Sayaji Shinde
- Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
When Arundhati visits her hometown, she notices how much she looks like her great-grandmother Jejamma. Anushka Shetty’s portrayal of Jejamma in the movie Arundhati is praised as one of the best in a female-oriented film as she fights a black magician to become her own. Sonu Sood’s antagonist also wins rave reviews from critics, as the film takes home multiple accolades in a variety of categories.
2. Mahanati
- Language: Telugu
- Starring: Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Vijay Deverakonda, Rajendra Prasad, Bhanupriya
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Mahanati is a moving biographical film about the late Telugu actress Savitri, who was also known to her followers as Savitriamma. Savitri, who is recognized as one of the best Indian actresses, has a stunning portrayal of her transformation from a stage actress to a movie star.In 2018, Keerthy Suresh won the National Award for Best Actress for her lifelike depiction of Savitri. In addition to highlighting Savitri’s range of acting abilities, the movie goes into her personal life’s terrible events and shows how she battled alcoholism and melancholy.
3. Yashoda
- Language: Telugu
- Starring: Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Unni Mukundan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
An innocent woman consents to act as a surrogate mother in a luxurious facility in Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s film Yashoda in order to locate her sister, who has gone missing. She puts herself and her unborn child in danger when she learns a startling fact about the institution, though. The movie looks at the negative aspects of surrogacy and the difficulties the lead character faces when she reveals the unsettling truth about the facility.
4. Karthavayam (Aramm)
- Language: Tamil, Telugu
- Starring: Nayanthara, Ramachandran Durairaj, Sunu Lakshmi
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
In Nayanthara’s Karthavayam, district collector Madhivadhani is faced with a formidable professional obstacle following the fall of Dhanshika, a young village girl, into a deep borewell. The media emphasizes Madhivadhani’s efforts to save herself, highlighting the obligations and demands she has in this dire circumstance. Throughout a crucial rescue operation, the movie highlights the courage and tenacity of a prominent woman.
5. Roja
- Language: Tamil, Telugu
- Starring: Arvind Swami, Madhoo, Pankaj Kapur, Nassar
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Zee 5
The narrative of the film Roja centers on Madhoo, who plays a humble Tamil Nadu country girl who searches desperately for her husband, Rishi. During a covert undercover operation in Jammu and Kashmir, militants seize him. The movie shows how strong and brave Roja is when faced with hardship, emphasizing her unwavering will to get back together with her husband.
6. Raatchasi
- Language: Tamil
- Starring: Jyothika, Hareesh Peradi, Poornima Bhagyaraj, Sathyan, Nagineedu, Aruldoss
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
A tenacious headmistress confronts dishonest bureaucrats and bureaucracy to improve her government-run school, teaching everyone a valuable lesson about tenacity.
