Objectification of Women in Telugu cinema: Directors should stop this culture

As a film buff, and follower of Telugu cinema, I would urge young directors to reconsider the way they are choosing to portray their female leads. It seems as if women objectification in Telugu cinema has become an unwanted trend, and Peddi and The Paradise are two such films which have come under this discussion.

In fact, Janhvi Kapoor’s character in Peddi has been portrayed in such a way that her looks, costume and exposure seems more important than her being as a character. I personally feel that a heroine’s presence in a film should serve a greater purpose, rather than simply being beautiful.

The Paradise goes a step further with it’s character of KayaduLohar, who is portrayed as an adult-film actress. While I can understand that they had to give her a reason for being in the film, and applaud them for trying something different, that doesn’t mean that the filmmakers are obliged to repeatedly depict the woman via sexualised scenes.

What irked me even more were the scenes featuring her mother recording intimate content featuring her daughter and then praising her for her performance. I feel that these depictions go beyond portraying a difficult reality and into the waters of unneccessary sensationalism.

I personally feel that filmmakers should not assume that something that works for one director will automatically work for everyone. While Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal did create a lot of discussion around the depiction of women in telugu media, that doesn’t mean that other filmmakers should follow suit.

My personal opinion stands as it always has been - directors should stop this culture. Female characters should be written with purpose, dignity and depth. Actresses such as Janhvi Kapoor and KayaduLohar should not be remembered for how much skin her characters displayed. Telugu cinema has a myriad of talent behind writers and directors, who can create great women without resorting to objectification.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suhas Sistu

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Suhas Sistu, born in a family with education background, brought up with good principles and education. Though, coming from Engineering backdrop, his love towards language and passion towards cinema made him to pursue career in film journalism. Started his career as a freelance content writer for some Youtube channels, he later joined HANS India as a translator. From translator to Reporter/Sr. Sub-Editor, his journey is continuing in our organisation.

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