Parvathy Thiruvothu, a critically acclaimed actor known for her bold and versatile performances across multiple languages, has established herself as a powerhouse in the film industry. Her remarkable roles in films like Bangalore Days, Take Off, and the recently released Ullozhukku showcase her immense acting prowess. Over the years, Parvathy has carved a distinct niche for herself, earning respect for her unapologetic approach to both her craft and the issues she stands for.

In addition to her acting career, Parvathy has consistently used her platform to champion gender equality, women's rights, and the portrayal of women in cinema. She has been vocal about the pressing issues in the film industry, often challenging conventional norms. Her commitment to meaningful roles and her bold takes on societal issues have earned her widespread admiration.

Also Read

placeholder

Not getting good female roles in Malayalam like in Tamil and Telugu: Aishwarya Lekshmi

In a recent interview on Galatta Plus, as part of the promotion of her latest film Her, directed by Lijin Jose and currently streaming on manoramaMax, Parvathy shed light on the industry's double standards. She discussed how producers are often quick to brand films as ‘feminist’ or ‘female-oriented’ when it fits the ‘woke’ trend, but shy away from addressing the real, sensitive, and pressing issues women face in society.

Parvathy expressed her discomfort with the term "female-oriented subjects", which she feels is an oversimplified label that doesn't do justice to the diverse and complex roles women play in films. She believes that filmmakers should pitch a genre based on substance rather than using a tag that limits a film's potential.

Speaking alongside fellow actors Urvashi, Aishwarya Rajesh, Lijomol Jose and Ramya Nambeessan, Parvathy reflected on the challenges women face in the industry. She pointed out that after a string of successful projects with female leads, a few failed attempts could cause a shift in the industry’s approach to female-led films. She noted that filmmakers may hesitate to take on such projects again, adding that there is often a disproportionate focus on the commercial success of these films.

The interview also touched upon the influence of commerce and marketing in filmmaking, with the participants calling for a more inclusive space for all voices in cinema. Parvathy, who has starred in several successful films such as Charlie, Ennu Ninte Moideen, Uyare, Take Off, and Koode, remarked that her roles in these films have helped normalise complex, strong female characters. However, she emphasised that much more still needs to be done to truly achieve equality in the industry.

Her thoughts offer a poignant reflection of how the film industry remains male-dominated, even as women continue to make strides and assert their rightful place in cinema. Parvathy’s call for change is a powerful reminder that, while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.