What is a list of Bollywood actresses in Tamil movies?

 There are several bollywood actress who have acted in Tamil movies

Esha Deol

Many people are unaware that Esha also acted in Aayutha Ezhuthu. 2004 political action drama directed by Mani Ratnam.

She played the role of a French teacher named Geetha, starring alongside a prominent ensemble cast that included Suriya, Madhavan, and Siddharth.

Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Also acted in 3 tamil movies Dhaam Dhoom, Chandramukhi 2 and Thalaivii,

While Dham Dhoom is the most iconic film with Jayam Ravi, her debut in 2008 tamil film

Disha Patani

Disha has acted in 1 tamil film Kanguva (2024) starring Suriya and Bobby Deol (antagonist)

Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif made her Tamil film debut in the mystery thriller Merry Christmas (2024)

Which was shot simultaneously in both Hindi and Tamil. People was directed by Sriram Raghavan, she stars alongside Vijay Sethupathi, her role is Maria, who's like takes an unexpected turn on Christmas Eve

This is the only her first full fledged tamil film

Tapsee panu

Taapsee Pannu has acted in several famous Tamil films like Aadukalam, Arrambam, Game over (2019), Kanchana 2, Annabelle Sethupathi

Tapsee is popular due to songs Chemistry with Arya and Dhanush, Songs En Fuse Pochu and Yaathe Yaathe

Amyra Dastur

Amyra Dastur made her Tamil cinema debut in 2015 and has since starred in prominent Kollywood releases. She acted in 2 films Anegan (2015) starring Dhanush and Bagheera (2023)

Deepika Padukone

How many of you know that Deepika has acted in a Tamil film?

While it's true Deepika has appeared in Kochadiyan (2014) movie Starring Rajinikanth and Deepika as Main female lead role

Ilenea D Cruz

Ilenea D Cruz acted in 1 tamil movie Nanban starring Joseph, Vijay, Jiiva and Srikanth which is a remake of 3 idiots

Shriya Saran

Shriya Saran is a prominent Indian actress who has delivered several memorable performances in the Tamil film industry alongside leading superstars. She is much popular in Tamil/Telugu than Bollywood films, most iconic Tamil movie is the blockbuster

Sivaji: The Boss (2007) with Rajinikanth, Azhagiya Tamil Magan (2007),, Kanthaswamy (2009), Kutty (2010)

Genelia D'Souza

Genelia is known for national crush due to bubbly eye, cute face structure

Boys (2003), Sachein (2005), Santosh Subramaniam (2008), Uthama Puthiran (2010), Velayudham (2011)

When compared to other films, Genelia Acted 2 times with Joseph Vijay, moreover Sachein film is because it breaks away from typical action-heavy hero roles, offering instead a breezy, feel-good vibe. The film's unique charm lies in Thalapathy Vijay's effortless charm, Genelia's bubbly performance

Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu made her Tamil cinema debut in the 2005 romantic comedy film Sachein

Tamannaah Bhatia

Notable films:- Sketch, Veeram, Sura, Ayan, Paiyya, Siruthai, Oppiri, Kaththi Sandai, Action (2019), and Thillalangadi (2010), Venghai, Padikkathavan

Karthi and Tamannaah Bhatia

are a beloved on- screen pair in South Indian cinema premd for their sizing chemistry in blockbuster Tamil films like Paiyaa and Siruthai

While they are highly celebrated for their musical hits and romantic action films,

Kajal Agarwal

Notable Films:- Vivegam, Thuppaki, Jilla, Mersal, Maatraan, Naan Mahaan Alla, All in Azhagu Raja, Paayum Puli, Kavalai Vendam, Maari

Rakul Preet Singh

Rakul acted in 3 tamil Film, Theeran Adhigaram Ondru, Dev, NGK, Ayalaan

Rakul has acted 2 times with Karthi Sivakumar,

Bhoomika Chawla

Bhoomika has acted in several tamil film, but most iconic films are Sillunu Oru Kadhal in which she starred alongside Suriya and Jyothika and ishwarya, many college aspirant relates to real life by seeing this film, love stories and painful moments Suriya and Bhoomika Split up before marrying Jyothika in movie.

Badri (2001), Roja Kootam, Kolaiyuthir Kaalam

Rani Mukherjee

Mukherjee appeared in 1 tamil Film Hey Raam (2000), starring Kamal Haasan

Tabu

Tabu has acted in many notable films in Tamil. Kandu Konden Kandu Konden (2000), Kadhal Desam (1996), Sinhedhiye (2000) Raja Leela (2003)

Kajol

Bollywood actress Kajol has acted in only two full-length Tamil films

Minsara Kanuvu (1997) and Unemployed graduate 2 (2017) starring Dhanush

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka has acted in exactly one Tamil film Thamizhan (2002) starring Thalapathi Vijay

Marking it as rare iconic screen presense before debuting in bollywood film industry, she is successful in bollywood film industry.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya is one of the popular actress in prime time and acted with megastars actors like Rajinikanth and Chiyaan Vikram

Notable Films: Enthiran, Raavanan (2010), Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 and 2, Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000). Iruvar (1997).

Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty’s only full-length Tamil film 1996 action-comedyMr. Romeo

She starred as the female lead alongside actor and choreographer Prabhu Deva (who played a dual role) and co-star Madhoo.

Additionally, she made a special appearance in the popular 2000 Tamil romantic comedy Kushi starring Vijay and Jyothika

Hema Malini

Despite Tamilian Background, Hema Malini is one of the prominent actress in Tamil and Bollywood film industry

Hema Malini has acted in several films like Idhu Sathiyam (1963) Hey Ram (2000

However Hema Malini has acted in majority in Hindi films and few tamil movie

Ameesha Patel

Ameesha Patel has starred in only one Tamil movie throughout her career

Pudhiya Geethai (2003)

Raveena Tandon

Raveena Tandon has starred in 3 Tamil films She made her Kollywood debut in 1994, gained international acclaim with a cult-classic in 2001,

Saadhu (1994), Aalavandhan (2001)

Juhu Chawla

Juhi Chawla has primarily acted in Hindi film, but she appeared in 1 tamil film Nattukku Oru Nallavan (1991)

What are some must-watch Bollywood movies which did not do well at the box office?

 

• This was one of the finest hindi movies based on a real story of cops, who gunned down a very notorious gang lord of Uttarpradesh.
• Ironically, it did not do well.
• It had everything good about it- powerful script, acting, cinematography -but still it did not click.
• In fact, this is among very few good movies, where cops and gangsters are shown realistic and without any pretense !
• Image credit: Web

Are there other famous movies where the lead role was initially offered to big stars who turned it down, leading to a breakout for an unknown actor?

 Zanjeer (1973)

The film was destined for Amitabh Bachchan who before that had worked in 12 films out of which 10 were flops, one did average business and only one was a hit that too in a supporting role (Anand). So Amitabh’s career was by and large over when he was offered the film Zanjeer.

The script written by Salim Javed was initially bought by Dharmendra for 2500 but his cousin sister asked him to not to do the film because of bad working experience with Prakash Mehra in the past. Prakash Mehra approached many actors including Rajkumar, Devanand, Rajesh Khanna etc but all of them refused. Rajkumar didn't like the getup of Prakash Mehra and refused, Devanand refused because there were no songs picturised on the lead actor and Rajesh Khanna thought the story is very grim. Eventually Salim Javed suggested the name of Amitabh Bachchan based on a clip from Bombay to Goa where Amitabh was fighting while eating a sandwich. The scene impressed the writers for his swag and eventually Amitabh was cast for the film.

But since Amitabh was a flop actor no big heroine was ready to cast opposite her. At that moment Jaya Bhaduri who was also in relation with Amitabh at that time got ready to work with him despite being a bigger star. Even Amitabh's father Harivansh Rai Bachchan thought that Amitabh Bachchan has signed a B grade stunt films and refused to come to the premiere of the film. But eventually Zanjeer became one of the biggest hits of the year. Sold for 12 lakhs per territory (72 lakhs in total) the film ended up earning 60 lakhs per territory (3.6 crores in total). And the film made Amitabh the angry young man.

Which Bollywood movies have fascinating backstories?

 Masoom (1983)

The film was the directorial debut of Shekhar Kapoor, who was a flop actor before. He was trying to financers for his film. When the producer asked him to pitch his story, Shekhar Kapoor started narrating his script but he soon realised that the producer is not finding his film interesting. He saw a poster of the film Man, Woman and Child in the producer's office (some say he saw the book) and suddenly something strike him. He mixed his script with the outline of Man, Woman and Child. The producer was impressed and he gave a yes to the film.

Now the next problem was casting. Shekhar Kapoor had a long affair with Shabana Azmi innthe 70’s and then they broke up. So Shekhar Kapoor was not sure whether Shabana Azmi will agree to his film. But to his surprise Shabana Azmi very professionally agreed to do the role. Also Shekhar Kapoor refused to cast the popular child artistes of that time because he wanted children to act like children and not do dramatic acting. That's why he chose actors who were either new or actors who were used to artsy movies. Thirdly, when the makers of Mr.India were looking for a director for the film, Javed Akhtar suggested the name of Shekhar Kapoor as he liked the way Shekhar Kapoor extracted performances from the children.

Masoom was the most economical and fast movie made by Shekhar Kapoor who was otherwise known for delaying films for years and overshooting the budget. The film eventually was shot in 28 days only. But when the film was for relaease the film didn't get many distributors and the makers had to hire the theatres on rent to screen the film. For the first 5 days there was no audience, and the makers discontinued the film from one theatre. But before the film could be wiped out of theatres audiences started walking in the theatres. The film did wonders from the second week onwards and eventually became a commercial success. According to Naseeruddin Shah, Masoom was more successful than major hits of the year like Himmatwala if you factor in the profit percentage of these movies.

But there were many controversies related to the film. First, Randhir Kapoor was planning to make a film on the same book and Shabana Azmi requested him not to make it. Then Randhir Kapoor accused the makers of giving credit of the writing to Gulzar when they lifted the story from the novel.

Another rconteoversy erupted when Naseeruddin Shah went to beat up producer Devi Dutt for not paying his dues for the film. He went to the sets of Bhavna and nearly beat him up. Many people felt that Naseeruddin Shah won the Filmfare award for Best actor for Masoom but the actor who actually deserved the award that year was Om Puri for his National Award winning performance in Ardh Satya. When Om Puri was asked the same question he said my performance in Ardh Satya may have been better than Naseer in Masoom but his overall body of work in the year 1983 is far better than me

What are some Kannada movies with great visual effects?

 Visual oriented movies are very rare in Indian cinema

Durga Shakti (1999) and Etu Eduretu (1981) are some of the few kannada horror movies to use visual effects.

Stills from Durga Shakti (1999)

The 1981 Kannada film Etu Eduretu is partially based on real-life events. The core of the movie is inspired by historical folklore regarding a formidable sorcerer or Warlock who allegedly terrorized a rural Indian village with black magic between 1832 and 1910.

Hollywood (2002) is the first Kannada movie based on the subject of robotics.

What are some Telugu movies that are worth watching just for the villain?

 Some Telugu movies are worth watching for the villain alone.

Image courtesy :Google

Gopichand as Devudu Sharma in Nijam
People often remember Gopichand's iconic villain roles in Varsham and Jayam, but I believe his performance in Nijam is his finest and one of the greatest villain portrayals in Telugu cinema history. The character's transformation is even more compelling than the hero's journey.

Image courtesy :Google

Raghuvaran as Bhavani in Shiva
Raghuvaran delivered an iconic performance as the ruthless political goon Bhavani, creating one of Telugu cinema's most memorable antagonists.

Prakash Raj as Obul Reddy in Okkadu
Although I enjoyed Prakash Raj reprising the role as Muthupandi in the Tamil remake Ghilli, the original Obul Reddy remains unmatched and truly iconic in Tollywood history .

Image courtesy :Google

Prakash Raj as Narasimha in Anthapuram
Prakash Raj was terrific as Narasimha, portraying a layered and intimidating villain in this rural faction-based drama.

Image courtesy :Google

Samuthirakani as Katari Krishna in Krack
A powerful and menacing antagonist whose presence elevates the film significantly.

Image courtesy :Google

Mukesh Rishi as Damodar Reddy in Jalsa
The scene where Damodar Reddy deals with the press before forcefully vacating a property until land vacating scene is enough to show how well-written and effective the character is.

Sushant Singh as Bukka Reddy in Rakta Charitra
One of the most violent and terrifying villains in Telugu cinema, inspired by the real-life faction leader Obul Reddy.

Image courtesy :google

Kota Srinivasa Rao as Kotiya in Yogi
Kota Srinivasa Rao has played many legendary villains, but Kotiya feels uniquely memorable even within his illustrious career.

Image courtesy :Google

Pradeep Rawat as Bikshu Yadav in Sye
A complete commercial-movie villain package—menacing, charismatic, and unforgettable.

Kartikeya Gummakonda as Dev in Gang Leader
Dev is a determined, intelligent, and thoroughly wicked antagonist whose motivations make him especially effective.

Image courtesy :Google

Dev Gill as Rana Dev Billa / Raghuveer in Magadheera
Playing villains across two different eras, Dev Gill delivered terrific performances in both roles and provided a worthy challenge to the hero.

All Images Courtesy :Google