The case of the missing girls in Malayalam Cinema

The systematic disappearance of heroines from the scene is a rather peculiar issue that has Malayalam filmmakers and stars in a tizzy, writes Sridevi Sreedhar

When was the last time that you saw a Malayalam blockbuster with the female lead in focus? But for a few exceptions, most films revolve around the hero. In a very unusual development kicked off recently, Malayalam filmmakers have suddenly taken to a fascination for prominent female stars from outside the state, to fill in the gaping holes. It all started when Malayalam cinema started losing most of its top heroines to, ahem, holy matrimony. Count in names like Manju Warrier, Samyuktha, Gopika and Kavya.

Younger stars like Asin, Nayanthara, Navya Nair, Mamta Mohandas, Bhavana and Meera Nandan soon migrated to Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. Suddenly, filmmakers felt the need to import big names from other language industries. Even Malayalam actors have started paying alluring amounts to get the best of the heroines from other languages. Shriya Saran, for instance, was paid a bomb to feature with Mammootty and Prithviraj in Pokkiri Raja, last month.

Interestingly, Malayalam filmmakers have also grossly cut down on duets and romantic scenes in exotic foreign locales, since heroines have become increasingly insignificant in superstar films. Veteran director Hariharan whose recent blockbuster, Pazhassi Raja turned out to be one of the most talked about Malayalam films, laments: “During the golden era of Malayalam films – say the 70s and 80s, heroines like Sharada, Sheela, Jaybharathi, Sree Vidya, Seema etc were celebrated in Malayalam cinema, since scripts by well-known writers had strong female protagonists. Today, where are the girls who can perform as well?”

Shobana and later Manju Warrier were among the last prominent heroines who were performers and had a strong fan base. Remember that the hit film Kannezhuthi Pottumthottu had Manju playing the female protagonist? But today's girls can’t be compared to the leading ladies of those days. In 2005 there was a mass exodus of talented Malayalam female actors into Tamil, Telugu and Kannada industries. It in turn triggered a reverse invasion of actors from the other states into Malayalam cinema, since Malayalam girls were making it big in other language films or getting married at the peak of their career.

In 2008, Kavya Madhavan, Meera Jasmine Gopika, Bhavana, Navya Nair – all Malayalam actors – were at the top of the lists. But taking their place currently are   Kaniha, Lakshmi Rai, Padmapriya and Roma - all outsiders. The import of actors from other language industries is being viewed as a result of the diminishing importance of heroines in films rather than infusion of better talent. With the domination of hero-centric films, some directors prefer working with freshers from other languages.

Kaniha, for instance, got married and practically cut herself off from anything to do with cinema. Noted director, Sathyan Anthikad - the man who discovered Asin and Nayanthara – gave Kaniha a break in his film, Bhagyadevata. His forte is family entertainers with a good sprinkling of humour and drama. Says Sathyan: “Kaniha has a homey face and she fitted my bill. Her pairing with Jayaram in Bhagyadevata seems to have worked with the audiences.” And with Pazhassi Raja turning out to be huge, she is clearly on top at the moment. A close second is Lakshmi Rai. Her Annan Thambi with Mammootty and To Harihar Nagar have fared well, propelling her to the top. She’s got a handful of movies releasing in the next few months.

Meanwhile, glam girls like Parvathi Melton, Sharbhani Mukerji, Gowri Munjal, Richa Pallod, Charmi, Bhumika, Meenakshi, Namitha and Shriya Saran are more than happy to take up Malayalam projects. With a call sheet of only 10 to 15 days, and good money, say anything between Rs 10 to 15 lakhs - depending on their box-office ratings - Malayalam films seem to be readily grabable. What’s more. Doing films in Kerala gets them lucrative offers for gold and textile endorsements plus stage shows in the gulf and US. It’s almost like a paid for picnic. Who can resist that, now?