Having worked across multiple film industries for nearly two decades, has witnessed the evolving dynamics of both Bollywood and South cinema firsthand. In a recent conversation with Forbes India, the actress reflected on her experiences in the South film industry and candidly acknowledged that the way women are often viewed on screen is “not very complimentary.”
Discussing the industry’s expectations from female stars, Tamannaah noted that actresses frequently find themselves navigating a delicate balance between glamour and meaningful performances. According to her, those who successfully manage to excel in both areas tend to enjoy the most enduring careers.
© Instagram/Tamannaah Bhatia
Tamannaah Bhatia On South vs Bollywood Main Difference
Expanding on her views about how women are positioned in mainstream cinema, Tamannaah Bhatia reflected on the contrasting expectations placed on actresses in Bollywood and the South film industries. She noted that music and dance have always been integral to Indian cinema and said she recognised their significance early in her career.
Explaining the landscape in Hindi cinema, Tamannaah said, “In the Hindi film industry, there are two kinds of actors. Those who have a more artistic take on things are better suited to playing certain kinds of characters. They might not necessarily do a glamorous song-and-dance number. The Hindi film industry actually gives you the opportunity to do either/or, and the ones who do both inevitably become superstars.”
The actress further shared that her experience in South cinema helped her understand why certain perceptions about the industry exist. According to Tamannaah, commercial filmmaking there often demands a particular kind of screen presence and star appeal. She remarked, “Like it’s a very specific gaze. It’s a patriarchal sort of vibe or it’s a gaze that’s not very complimenting. I felt like I had understood the musical aspect of it. The South needed that star quality to be able to pull that off, so I personally feel that cinema is as restrictive, or even more restrictive, in that sense. I am talking about when you want to make it from a commercial standpoint.”
© Instagram/Tamannaah Bhatia
At the same time, Tamannaah emphasised that she was speaking solely from her own journey and acknowledged that other actors may have experienced things differently. Looking at the careers of actresses who have remained successful for over a decade, she observed that longevity often comes to those who can strike a balance between performance-driven roles and commercial entertainers. In her view, the women who seamlessly move between strong character parts and glamorous song-and-dance spectacles are usually the ones who manage to sustain long and celebrated careers in Indian cinema.
About Tamannaah Bhatia’s Upcoming Movie
Tamannaah Bhatia is currently gearing up for the release of her upcoming fantasy adventure .Directed by Deepak Mishra, the film is backed by producers Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar and Niraj Kothari under the banners of Balaji Telefilms, TVF Motion Pictures and 11:11 Productions.
© TVF
The film features and Tamannaah in the lead roles, with Maniesh Paul, Sunil Grover, Shweta Tiwari and Anup Soni playing pivotal supporting characters.
Scheduled for a theatrical release on August 26, 2026, Vvan: Force of the Forest is set to face stiff competition at the box office. The film will arrive during a crowded festive release window and is expected to clash with Eetha, starring Shraddha Kapoor, as well as Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups, headlined by Yash. The three-way battle is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched box-office clashes of 2026.