Malavika Mohanan: Female gaze is the need of the hour in Indian cinema

Actress Malavika Mohanan believes Indian cinema needs more women behind the camera to bring meaningful change to the way female characters are portrayed on screen.

The actress, who has often been cast in glamorous roles, recently expressed her desire to break that image and take on action-oriented characters. She said the industry needs a stronger “female gaze” and a significant increase in the number of women directors and writers.

“In reality, there are very few female directors and writers in the film industry. You can count them on your fingers. There is a need for a greater female gaze in cinema. It is only when the number of women filmmakers increases that remarkable action roles for women will be created,” she said.

Malavika also revealed that she would love to headline an action film on the lines of “Kill Bill.”

The actress made her Telugu debut opposite Prabhas in “The Raja Saab.” Although the film failed at the box office, she continues to receive offers across industries. She will next be seen opposite Karthi in “Sardar 2.”