Vidya Balan said South films are hypermasculine in an interview with Zoom. The actress, who joined the cast of Jailer 2 released on October 15, hopes for better roles for women. She said, "Let's just hope that changes and there are more exciting roles for women in these films."
In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Vidya Balan spoke about hypermasculinity in South cinema. She hoped that the situation would change and that women would get better roles to play.
Vidya Balan has taken a leap into Tamil cinema with Jailer 2, co-starring Rajinikanth. The Nelson Dilipkumar directorial released on October 15 and features the actress in a pivotal role. She has often spoken about her co-star Rajinikanth's generosity and warm aura that made her feel comfortable on the set. However, Vidya also agrees that South cinema can be 'hypermasculine'. In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Balan clarified that Jailer 2's set did not seem problematic, but cinema in the Southern part of India needs to have better roles for women.
Vidya Balan on hypermasculinity in South cinema
Talking to us, Vidya said, "I did not sense hypermasculinity on Jailer 2's set. South films are hypermasculine. Even I have noticed that they are hypermasculine. Let's just hope that changes and there are more exciting roles for women in these films."
She further spoke about the lack of women-led movies in Indian cinema and said, "I hope that change happens. Even in Hindi cinema, we are not seeing that many female-led films. I hope we once again go through the time where the surge of women-led cinema, not just in Hindi cinema, but across languages. There are such interesting stories to be told."
Vidya Balan in Jailer 2
In Jailer 2, Vidya plays the role of Kanta Kalpak, who is the daughter of Chakri (Mithun Chakraborty) and the sister of Bodhi (SJ Suryah), who lead the idol-smuggling syndicate that clashes with Rajinikanth's Tiger Muthuvel Pandian.
Talking about Jailer 2, Vidya said in the exclusive conversation with Zoom, "I knew Jailer was a Rajinikanth film because I have watched the film and loved it immensely. A Rajinikanth film is a Rajinikanth film, and I wondered what they were going to come to me with. I am very glad. Kanta is such an interesting character, and Nelson thought of me for this role. Sharing screen space with Rajini sir, what an honour."
Before the release of the film, Vidya teased that the audience would be in for a surprise. The actress shared, "Kanta is an interesting character for me. She is someone who loves her family and can go to any extent to protect them. Everyone in the Jailer universe contributes their own special tadka, but the dish is always Rajinikanth."
Vidya Balan upcoming films
After Jailer 2, Vidya will be seen with Akshay Kumar and Raashii Khanna in Anees Bazmee's comedy directorial. The film is expected to release early next year.