Nayanthara, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Rashmika Mandanna: Actresses dominating southern cinema with their clout

India does not entertain itself only through Bollywood, there is also a solid, healthy stream of content coming from the South, the Punjabi industry, the Bengali film industry, and many more. Some films are purely artistic in nature, while others serve the purpose of bringing in numbers with their commercial appeal.

For years, these box office figures were seen as the sole responsibility of male actors, whose stardom traditionally pulled audiences to theatres. While this remains the norm in many ways, the past decade has witnessed a welcome change.

The Indian film industry has, if not entirely then at least partially, shifted that responsibility onto actresses, who now enjoy a solid fan base for their work and not just their glamour.

Here are some actresses who have carved a niche for themselves in the south Indian landscape:

Nayanthara, known as the Lady Superstar, has long been one of the most dependable names in Tamil and Telugu cinema. She continues to headline big projects, often ensuring strong openings in markets traditionally driven by male stars. Her Hindi debut in Jawan (2023) only reinforced her commercial weight, with the film entering the record books as one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever. That success underscored her ability to transcend regions and draw crowds on a truly national scale.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, a true blue South Indian star, has been vocal about women not receiving equal salaries in film for playing parts similar to their male co-stars. She was conversing with Foodpharmer when she revealed that she had been paid ‘dramatically different’ salaries than her male co-stars historically for roles that demanded equal effort. The Mersal actress launched her production house, Tralala Moving Pictures, in December 2023.

Rashmika Mandanna

Rashmika Mandanna’s rise to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just eight years, she has transformed from the ‘National Crush of India’ to the undisputed No. 1 actress of Indian cinema. With her ability to transcend linguistic and regional barriers, Rashmika has redefined what it means to be a pan-India star.

The proof of her unparalleled stardom lies in the numbers. Her last three films—Animal, Pushpa: The Rise, and Pushpa: The Rule—have collectively grossed an astonishing ₹3096 crore at the box office.

Komica Anchal

Komica Anchal is slowly and gradually carving a niche for herself in an industry that can be both daunting and dazzling. She has become a sensation in South but her journey from ebb to the top has been anything but a cakewalk. She is a name that has stunningly combined style, sass, and soul. Her film choices and lifestyle speak volumes of how she’s here to stay and slay. And here’s how it all began for her in the field of acting. We also get an insight into her lifestyle. It shall be a treat for all her fans.