In an industry traditionally dominated by male directors, the spotlight is now shifting towards talented women as they step up to take the reins behind the camera. The phrase “Start camera… action” has taken on new meaning as several female directors are poised to make their mark in the film industry this year. Historically, it has been common for only two or three women directors to emerge annually, but this year is set to be exceptional with four to five new female directors entering the scene.
This year began with a remarkable debut from a female director who proved her mettle with a web series and is now set to helm a feature film. Among these trailblazers is Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, a seasoned actress known for her versatility across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. After over twelve years of shining on the silver screen, she is now transitioning into directing with her upcoming film “Saraswati.” Not only is she directing the film, but she is also starring in the lead role, showcasing her multifaceted talent. The movie, based on real events, will be released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, although the release date has yet to be confirmed.
Another rising star behind the camera is fashion designer Shagnashree Venu, who made her directorial debut with “Best Couple” in 2021. After gaining recognition as an actress in “Government Junior College” in 2024, Shagnashree is currently directing “Hello It’s You,” featuring Varun Sandesh as the lead. She has expressed her desire to connect with youth through a heartfelt love story, and the film is nearing completion, with the release date pending.
Manasa Sharma, who gained fame as a writer through the series “A Small Family Story,” is also making her directorial debut with the upcoming film “Rakas.” Following the positive reception of her previous series “Bench Life,” which is streaming on SonyLiv, Manasa is excited about her new venture, where she will direct and write. The film features Sandeep Shoban in the lead role, with Niharika Konidela taking on a production role, adding further significance to the project. The comedy fantasy film is set for a theatrical release on April 3.
Neha Sharma, known for her role in the film “Chirutha,” is also stepping into the director’s shoes. With a focus on a period action drama set in 1945, Neha is reportedly working on pre-production, and Ajay Devgn is set to produce the film. Meanwhile, Keerthy Suresh, who has successfully balanced commercial films and women-centric projects, is now turning her sights towards directing. She has been developing several story ideas and collaborating with assistant directors, revealing her aspirations in a recent interview during the promotion of her film “Revolver Rita.”
The recent web series “Nayanam,” featuring Varun Sandesh, Priyanka Jain, and Uthtej, has also garnered attention, marking the directorial debut of Swathi Prakash. Produced by Ram Talluri and Rajani Talluri, the series is streaming on ZEE5 and has received positive feedback from viewers.
With these talented women leading the charge in directing, the landscape of the film industry is set to become more diverse and dynamic. As audiences eagerly anticipate the release of these new projects, it is clear that female directors are ready to take their rightful place in the spotlight.
