Legendary actor Kamal Haasan has been in the film industry for over 60 years. Having experience working with a variety of talented actors and directors, he considers it a fair consideration when sharing his opinions on someone’s talent. At the recent Manorama Hortus festival, Kamal Haasan spoke about the challenges faced by women in the film industry and Savitri‘s directorial talent.
Kamal Haasan reflects on Savitri and challenges for women in cinema
Kamal Haasan considered Savitri “a better director than his own” and praised her as a motherly companion. Savitri made her directorial debut in the 1968 Telugu film ‘Chinnari Papalu.’ It starred Javvaiya, Jamuna, and Sowcar Janaki. The same film was remade in Tamil as ‘Kuzhanthai Ullam,’ starring Gemini Ganesan, Vanisree, and Sowcar Janaki. But Savitri did not direct any other film after this.
Kamal Haasan cites gender bias in the film industry
According to Kamal Haasan, the reason why Savitri could not direct more films is because of the huge lack of masculinity in the film industry. “She was playing a role. It was a different role in an environment where there was no normal value for women,” Kamal Haasan said. This reveals an environment where women are not given priority in the film industry.
‘Thug Life’ actor stresses importance of female audiences
Kamal Haasan also said that the role of female audiences is important in the success or failure of a film. “If women don’t come to the theaters, the film may find temporary success. But later they have to come; otherwise there will be no business,” he revealed. This discussion with Kamal Haasan highlights important facts about Savitri’s talent, the role of women, and the lack of respect for women in the film industry. It is worth noting that Kamal Haasan shared screenspace with Savitri in several films, including ‘Kalathur Kannamma,’ ‘Paadha Kaanikkai,’ ‘Parthal Pasi Theerum,’ ‘Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum,’ ‘Andharangam,’ and ‘Madanolsavam.‘
