From 'Arundhati' to 'Yashoda': 5 must-watch women-centric movies from Tollywood

Leading actresses in Tollywood have invested their maximum effort to make women-centric movies successful in a world dominated by superheroes and male heroism. Names like Tamannaah Bhatia, Nayanthara, Anushka Shetty, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu stand out in this endeavor. These movies delve into the struggles of women in their daily lives, workplaces, and various cultural and artistic contexts. Here are some unforgettable women-centric movies from Tollywood.

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Directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, 'Arundhati' stars Anushka Shetty in the lead role. This 2009 Indian Telugu horror fantasy film is a showcase of Anushka's versatility as she portrays dual characters in this fantasy horror tale. The movie was not just a creative success but also a major hit at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of its time. With its captivating storyline and Anushka's stellar performance, 'Arundhati' left a significant mark in Telugu cinema history.

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'36 Vayadhinile,' directed by Rosshan Andrrews, is a Tamil film that serves as a remake of the Malayalam movie "How Old Are You." The lead role is played by Jyothika, and the storyline revolves around a woman's journey of rediscovering her identity and aspirations. The film's soundtrack is composed by Santhosh Narayanan. Notably, this movie marks Jyothika's comeback to the film industry after an eight-year hiatus. The movie captures the essence of self-discovery and empowerment, making it a significant entry in Tamil cinema.

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'Aruvi,' directed by Arun Prabhu Purushothaman, is a highly acclaimed Tamil film that delves into the life of a young woman, portrayed by Aditi Balan. The movie addresses societal issues and the challenges faced by women, making it a notable entry in Indian cinema. This Tamil-language political drama, marking Arun' s directorial debut, unfolds the events in the life of Aruvi. She is a rebellious young woman on a mission to expose the consumerist and misogynistic aspects of modern civilization. The narrative follows her journey as she navigates through an existential crisis, seeking meaning and understanding in the complex dynamics of contemporary society. 'Aruvi' is celebrated for its thought-provoking themes and Aditi Balan's impactful performance, making it a standout film in the realm of Tamil cinema.

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'Yashoda,' is a 2022 Indian Telugu action thriller film, written and directed by Hari–Harish. Starring Samantha in the titular role, the movie also features Unni Mukundan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Murali Sharma in key roles. In this film, Samantha Ruth Prabhu plays the character of Yashoda, an innocent woman who agrees to become a surrogate mother at a luxurious facility in order to find her missing sister. Later she discovers a shocking truth about the center, putting both herself and her unborn child in jeopardy. 'Yashoda' delves into the dark side of surrogacy, exploring the challenges faced by the protagonist as she unravels the disturbing reality of the facility. The film promises to be an action-packed thriller with a gripping narrative that sheds light on the complexities and risks associated with surrogacy, providing audiences with a suspenseful and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

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'Mahanati' is a poignant biopic that pays tribute to the late Telugu actress Savitri, affectionately known as Savitriamma by her fans. This film beautifully captures the remarkable journey of Savitri, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian actresses. Portrayed with striking realism by Keerthy Suresh, her performance in the movie earned her the National Award for Best Actress in 2018. Directed and written by Nag Ashwin,'Mahanati' not only showcases Savitri's versatile performances on the screen but also delves into the tragic events in her personal life. The film sheds light on her struggles with depression and alcoholism, offering a comprehensive and empathetic portrayal of the iconic actress.

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