'It's a challenge'—Jyotika criticizes Tamil cinema's lack of female-centric films
What's the story
Veteran actor Jyotika (46) recently slammed the Tamil film industry for not producing enough female-centric films.
In a recent interview with Fever FM, the actor lamented the absence of big filmmakers making movies for women actors.
"We don't have big filmmakers or seasoned filmmakers, like K Balachander in those days, making films for women or stories where women have an important part to play," she said.
Career shift
Jyotika discussed her career challenges post-motherhood
Jyotika, who is married to actor Suriya and became a mother at 28, also shared how her career path changed after she started a family.
She revealed she had to take on different roles and work with new directors, owing to age-related factors in the industry.
"It's a huge challenge because then you are building your career absolutely with new directors, on your own. It's all to do with the age factor," she stated.
Statement
'I haven't worked with a star or a hero...'
Jyotika added, "It's a big question in the South, actually. I had my kids when I was 28, and I started doing very different roles after that. In fact, I think I haven't worked with a star or a hero after 28."
"It's even more difficult because there's another big feature lacking there in Tamil industry... We only have the biggies making films for the biggies."
Industry issues
Jyotika highlighted budget constraints and lack of female perspectives
Further, she highlighted the budget constraints that films with women in lead roles have to deal with.
"We are budget-restricted. That's a big challenge, age being one, and the second one being seasoned filmmakers' storytelling from a woman's perspective."
"A woman's journey in the South, I feel, is extremely tough because it's a battle she's fighting all alone," she added.
Ongoing projects
Jyotika's career and current Netflix series
Jyotika, who made her acting debut with Doli Saja Ke Rakhna in 1997, has had a successful career in Tamil and Telugu cinema.
Her recent films include Shaitaan, Srikanth, and Kaathal - The Core.
She currently stars in the Netflix series Dabba Cartel, which follows five ordinary women whose simple dabba service spirals into a high-stakes drug delivery operation.
The show also stars Shabana Azmi, Nimisha Sajayan, Anjali Anand, Sai Tamhankar, and Lillete Dubey.