Unfortunately, that's how bold films are usually marketed not only in Kollywood but everywhere else too. Another important criteria to classify a bold film is by looking at the roles designed for the film. Roles like prostitutes for example. Though films that have housed prostitute characters are easily
countable in Tamil cinema which has existed for almost 100 years, the ones which have been made has been powerful and has often projected a leading actress in what has been termed as a sensitive role. Kudos to all those actresses who have taken up such roles with conviction without thinking too much about their career,
for there is an unhealthy trend in Kollywood that whenever an artist delivers in a particular role they are more likely to end up acting in that particular role for the rest of their career. Cop roles are prime examples.
Considering the above factor, heroines who have taken up the role of prostitutes, especially those after establishing themselves as leading actresses should get a special mention. Stories revolving around a prostitute have existed throughout in Kollywood
but has not been made on a consistent basis which is why these kind of films are easily countable as mentioned earlier. Let us now have a look at those films and the heroines who have boldly taken up the role of prostitutes in it. Check out the slides below to know more about such bold heroines.
M.N. Rajam as Kantha Though films portraying prostitutes in a prominent role might have released much before Ratha Kanneer happened, M.N. Rajam's role as Kantha in this film had a major impact among the audience. Her character's dominance through out the movie left most of the audience awestruck at the time of Ratha Kanneer's release. It was truly a bold role and was carried by M.N. Rajam with style and substance.
Saritha as Sarasu Saritha's role in Rajinikanth's Thappu Thalangal is as bold as it can get and is still praised by critics as well as fans. Her dilemma whether to discontinue her profession as a prostitute to lead a normal life was exhibited to perfection in this K. Balachander's bold film.
Sripriya as Radha Sripriya's role in Vazhvey Maayam was powerful. A helpless girl who gets exploited by filthy landlords turns into a full time prostitute. Her desire to get married to a dying hero in the climax was both bold and heart-rending.
Saranya as Neela Though Saranya wasn't seen as a full-fledged prostitute in Nayakan, her decision to display such a role in her very first movie is commendable. She plays a student-cum-prostitute in the iconic movie who later goes on to marry the hero, Kamal Haasan.
Sneha as Krishnaveni Sneha's role in Pudhupettai raised many eye brows. For an actress who had made a mark in the industry by doing deglam roles, her role in the Dhanush starrer was a complete contrast to all her previous roles. Her acting skills in the movie garnered highly positive reviews from fans and critics alike.
Sangeetha as Dhanam Dhanam released in 2008 and portrayed the life of a sex worker. It was a woman centric subject in which Sangeetha played the lead role. Dhanam opened to mixed reviews with almost everyone praising Sangeetha's performance which went on to become the highlight of the movie
Ramya Krishnan as Maragathavalli alias Maggie Ramya Krishnan once again proved to everyone her versatility as an actress by portraying the role of a money minded prostitute to perfection in Kamal Haasan's Panchathantiram. Her character even had a comic side to it and was neatly pulled off by the Padayappa actress.
Anushka Shetty as Saroja Anushka played an out and out prostitute's role in Vaanam after establishing herself as a successful actor in Kollywood. She wasn't even paired opposite anyone in the film and hence her dareness to take up such a role calls for appreciation. Also, she had done a decent job in the movie and did not look uncomfortable in carrying such a bold role.
