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Last Updated: March 08, 2025, 05:27 IST
Kushboo Sundar emphasizes that not all women-led films will achieve the success of Aranmanai 4, noting that the box office is still ruled by the Khans.
Kushboo Sundar is a celebrated figure in Tamil Nadu, recognized for her advocacy of women’s rights and empowerment, both in her political career and beyond. In recent years, her husband, actor-director Sundar C, has also emerged as a notable director of women-centric projects, with his latest film, Aranmanai 4, becoming a significant box office hit, earning over ₹100 crore.
The production of Mookuthi Amman 2, Sundar’s upcoming film, has just commenced, again featuring leading roles for women, specifically Nayanthara and Regina Cassandra. During the film’s muhurat ceremony in Chennai, Kushboo spoke candidly about the challenges facing women-led cinema, emphasizing that broader societal acceptance and change require time and sustained effort.
She stated, “It’s crucial to recognize that not every film can become a blockbuster. Despite apparent progress, the reality is that women-oriented films like Aranmanai 4 and Mookuthi Amman 2 are rare.” Acknowledging the dominance of major male stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan in theatrical releases, she noted, “The film industry still revolves around these superstars. We are still on a journey toward true parity.”
Despite these challenges, Kushboo expressed admiration for actresses who have successfully navigated the streaming platform landscape. She anticipates making her own debut in this arena soon. “It’s inspiring to witness the breadth of roles available to actresses now,” she remarked, pointing to diverse projects such as Darlings, City Of Dreams, and Huma Qureshi’s Maharani. She underscored the opportunities offered by OTT platforms as vital for women to showcase their talents in ways that were previously limited in traditional cinema. However, she emphasized the importance of balance, stating, “Instead of lamenting our circumstances, women in cinema should seize opportunities that come their way.”
Kushboo also advocated for women’s freedom to choose the types of roles they engage with. “Women must feel empowered to make choices without self-judgment, including participating in commercial films,” she said. Highlighting that sometimes it’s beneficial to embrace the lighter, more entertaining aspects of cinema, she emphasized the joy of participating in projects that may not be deeply meaningful but provide a chance for fun and relaxation. “One should not shy away from enjoying a film with catchy songs and light-hearted scenes,” she concluded, “It’s about giving your best, regardless of the film’s depth.”
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