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Last Updated: March 26, 2025, 03:57 IST
Raashii Khanna remarks on the challenges of female leads in VFX-heavy films.
The Tamil film Aghathiyaa, featuring Arjun Sarja, Jiiva, and Raashii Khanna, was released last month and has made a notable impression with its innovative concepts and emphasis on visual effects (VFX). As it prepares for its digital debut on Sun NXT on March 28, Raashii Khanna reflects on the gender disparities present in VFX-centric cinema during an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha. She shares her thoughts on the industry’s reliance on male actors for such films.
Khanna acknowledges that Aghathiyaa is predominantly a vehicle for Arjun and Jiiva, yet this knowledge did not discourage her from participating in the project. She states, “When I heard the script, I understood the scope of the roles. It’s beneficial when commercial films can offer any significant space for women. Although Arjun and Jiiva were the primary focus, I accepted that knowing my character was important and had room to develop. Regardless of the size of my role, it must carry some weight; otherwise, it becomes interchangeable with any other actor.”
Highlighting the current state of VFX films in India, Raashii expresses that the industry is still evolving, and it will take considerable time before female actors can lead such projects. She comments, “There’s a considerable distance to travel before producers trust us with the lead role in a VFX-driven film. Currently, even leading male actors involved in these films require substantial investment from producers to ensure their success. If a female actor can prove to attract audiences, then producers will likely consider featuring them more prominently.”
Despite the obstacles, the actress remains optimistic about the future of female-led VFX films. “As we continue to explore this genre, it might still be early for a female actor to take center stage in a VFX-heavy project. However, I am confident that we will see this change eventually. Historically, we have drawn inspiration from Hollywood for films rich in VFX, but I am encouraged that Indian filmmakers are starting to experiment with novel concepts. It’s about time we increase the number of such productions.”
According to Khanna, the horizon for supernatural-fantasy films is bright, attributing some of this optimism to the success of the film Brahmastra. She expresses admiration for its special effects, stating, “The VFX in Brahmastra exceeded my expectations for a Hindi film. It set a new standard and showcased our potential. However, there are financial limitations that we need to navigate when planning these projects. Budget considerations will always impact the extent of VFX we can incorporate. Brahmastra was an ambitious film that managed to execute outstanding visual effects, leaving a lasting impression on me.”
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www.news18.com