The representation of women in Telugu cinema has often been a topic of discourse, and last month it was highlighted again with actor Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal in Peddi being called out for objectification. Amid this came a female-led action film, Samantha Ruth Prabhu-starrer Maa Inti Bangaaram, which became a box office success, and has collected Rs. 95 crore worldwide since release.

While Maa Inti Bangaaram isn’t the norm but an exception in Telugu cinema these days, director B V Nandini Reddy says change in the industry will come only when it first reaches the audience. She also says her film’s box-office performance is a reminder to Tollywood that women-led films work.

When asked Nandini where the change needs to come from to better represent women in Telugu cinema, her answer is quick. Her solution lies with the audience changing first. “I think it needs to come from the audience. From the films they choose to watch, the films they choose to make successful. That itself sends a message which is loud and clear. It’s the biggest harbinger of change,” she says.

“I keep telling women. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, then when you see something you like, ensure that other people go and watch it. The audience also has to make the effort to go watch the films they like only in theatres. It’s the only way to get better films,” explains Nandini, adding, “When it starts with the audience, then of course the filmmakers will listen. It’s a business at the end of the day, and you have to listen to the customer.”

Nandini says Maa Inti Bangaaram has brought women back to the theatres because it made them feel seen. “It has put out the question that there is a large section of the audience you’re not catering to. You’re not telling stories that matter to them,” explains the filmmaker, adding, “If you add this crowd to an already existing male audience for male-centric films, imagine the numbers now. The industry keeps saying we lost the audience there. But no, they’re there, waiting.”

The filmmaker also brings up Barbie as an example of how a woman-centric film can do wonders at the box office. “Samantha always said Barbie did so well because the women came out to watch it. And that’s the audience we targeted with Maa Inti Bangaaram. Numbers are numbers, but I think we did something right because women across age groups have turned up at the theatres to have fun,” she rounds off.

Maa Inti Bangaaram was released in theatres on June 19 and has since grossed over Rs. 95 crore worldwide, a record for a female-led Telugu film. Peddi, which was released on June 4, has grossed over Rs. 340 crore.

When director B V Nandini Reddy first heard Maa Inti Bangaaram’s story, she wrote a three-digit number on a board as her prediction for the film’s box office collection. A fortnight into the Samantha Ruth Prabhu-starrer’s release, it has reportedly earned over Rs 80 crore worldwide. “I told everyone we could get this number,” recalled Reddy, happy that the action comedy is nearing that number.

Maa Inti Bangaaram has already hit a milestone — it has become the highest grossing female-led movie in Telugu cinema. For that, Reddy credits her leading lady’s range as a performer, especially her action prowess.

“In the [past few years], Samantha added action to her arsenal through The Family Man 2 [2021] and Citadel: Honey Bunny [2024]. Now, she is ready for the next jump to big-league commercial cinema. I’ve been teasing her, saying, ‘When are you doing the next Marvel film?’ The coolness with which she does action is superb,” shared the director.

To Reddy, the bigger success is that she was able to deliver a film befitting her lead’s immense popularity. “She is great at comedy, dances well, does action like any cool male star. In the promotions, I kept telling [her fans], ‘Whatever you love of Sam, we will deliver 10x of it.’”

The film is also special to Prabhu as she shot it during her pregnancy — something that the director learnt only after the first day of a dance number shoot. “That day, Sam was a little unwell and came late, which is unlike her. The next day, I asked her, ‘Were you running a fever?’ There was a moment of silence before she said, ‘I’m pregnant.’ I was [ecstatic]. The baby is a part of this celebration.”