In the ever-evolving world of Bollywood, a significant shift is underway as women are increasingly taking on central roles in films. One such development was confirmed by Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, during FIICI Frames, where he announced, “Alia Bhatt is headlining a Spy Universe film, marking a new chapter in our cinematic universe.”
This move is a departure from the tradition of male-dominated leads in the Spy Universe franchise, indicating YRF’s confidence in the potential success of action-packed films with female protagonists. It could pave the way for more actresses to anchor big-budget action films in the future.
While big-budget productions in Bollywood have historically been male-centric, there has been a noticeable increase in opportunities for women to lead roles in Hindi cinema. This trend aligns with the audience’s desire for diverse storytelling, reflecting the changing dynamics of the industry.
Mid-budget and smaller-scale films are often released theatrically and later on OTT platforms, have become a platform for showcasing women in central roles. These films cater to a wide audience and provide actresses with opportunities to explore compelling narratives and characters.
Despite the prevailing belief that female-led big-budget films entail significant financial risk, recent successes challenge this notion. Alia Bhatt’s portrayal in “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” a critically acclaimed commercial success with a reported budget of Rs 100 crore. It demonstrates the viability of such projects.
Article 370 is a political action thriller starring Yami Gautam, further underscores the potential for women to anchor successful films. Gautam’s performance played a pivotal role in the film’s box-office success, signaling a departure from traditional casting choices.
The dominance of big-budget action dramas has posed challenges for woman-centric films at the box office. While films like “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway” and “Tejas” faced mixed receptions, smaller-budget projects like “The Kerala Story” have defied expectations with unexpected success.
