We are at the point in the industry where underrated actors are being rated according to their abilities. But even after choosing correct scripts and directors- actresses are still being used as a side piece despite their performances.
This is the producers fault in not letting many actresses in the industry- and only choosing ones with a market. It’s not a fault though as movies are a business and they need face value. I don’t have a financially positive solution for this, but I can underline some actresses that deserve more and can bring freshness into our cinema today.
Will organize this list by the language films by their best known for. This is in order from the best on top.
TELUGU:
- Mrunal Thakur - Sita Ramam, Family Star, Hi Nanna
Despite being the best contemporary actress (probably after Sai Pallavi) she isn’t getting enough chances. My favorite actress on this post.
- Sreleela - Guntur Kaaram, Dhamaka, Bhagavanth Kesari
Right now best looking telugu actress. Her acting hasn’t been explored at all but she has scope. Her role in Guntur Kaaram wasn’t bad and she lit up screens. She is also a fantastic dancer- probably best among actresses. She can be a good commercial actress- directors and producers need to start trusting her into their good projects. She has good face value.
- Shraddha Das - Arya 2, PSV Garuda Veda, Guntur Talkies
She has given good performances in her Telugu films and they have been hits. Not sure why she hasn’t gone mainstream since Arya 2.
TAMIL:
Sri Divya - VVS, Kaaki Sattai, Meiyazhagan
Most underused actress in Tamil Cinema. She is an actress with no haters. We all were so happy to see her in Meiyazhagan. She’s a very positive energy actress she makes everyone smile. All of her performances were good- and she still looks absurdly young. We still have a chance to utilize her well. Meiyazhagan set it.
- Aishwarya Lekshmi - Ponniyan Selvan, King of Kotha, Maayanadhi
Similar situation to Aishwarya Rajesh. Good performer but less chances. She does get movies like PS and KOK but none of them clicked in the way in that she gets something out of it. She can do every role and with conviction.
- Siddhi Idvani - VTK, Kerala Story, TGGM
Extremely good actress. She got introduced by Simbu in 2022 in tamil and she gave a good performance in VTK. That film is very underrated itself nobody can appreciate classy films like these anymore. She can do any role with conviction and she looks good too. Her performance in VTK and in the songs is incredible.
HINDI:
Radhika Apte - Badlapur, Kabali, Andhadun
She’s become an international actress and is getting praise there- but here home she’s not getting what she deserves. Sure she lands the occasional good film but in all she’s been pushed out of mainstream.
Anaitha Nair - Chak De India, Dum Maaro Dum, Mumbai Calling
I’ve only seen Chak De India from her and she was impressive. Don’t know why producers won’t give actresses a chance after a good performance and movie. They can see it works.
Sanya Malhotra - Dangal, Sam Bahadur, Jawan
Brilliant performer can do every role- even side roles like in Jawan. She is perfect actress material and deserves to be more mainstream