From Rene to Gargi, the many real and liberated women of Tamil Cinema 2022

2022 is a year that witnessed the earnest reflection of real-life women in Tamil cinema. They not only reinforced the fight against gender-based violence but also broke out of template roles, represented intersectionality in various social strata, & upheld radical ideas. On that note, here's a look at memorable characters and compelling performers

2022 is a year that witnessed the earnest reflection of real-life women in Tamil cinema. Here's a look at memorable characters and compelling performers

Dushara Vijayan as Rene in Natchathiram Nagargirathu is flawed and vulnerable at times. Yet, with her head held high, she is unafraid and unapologetic about her social identity

Rohini has flushed out life and soul into Indrani in Witness, a conservancy worker and a mother fighting an impossible battle to seek justice for her son, who died after being forced to clean sewage

Andrea plays Mathi in Anal Mele Pani Thuli, a young woman on a relentless struggle to bring to justice the culprits who sexually assaulted her

Sai Pallavi in and as Gargi, a vulnerable yet determined schoolteacher, regurgitates the power of sisterhood and stands up for what is right

Urvashi as Krishnaveni in Veetla Vishesham is a middle-aged homemaker, who deals with an unexpected pregnancy. She is the epitome of grace as she embraces her vulnerability and overcomes the stigma

Aishwarya Rai as Nandhini in Ponniyin Selvan defies all kinds of stereotypes to mask a fiery sense of vengeance underneath the throes of beauty

Aishwarya Lekshmi as Keerthi, a wrestler, in Gatta Kusthi adroitly nails the fight sequences, mass transformation scenes, and of course, the comedy.

Keerthy Suresh plays a ruthless and vengeful Ponni in Saani Kaayidham. A survivor of sexual assault embarks on an unforgiving journey to retaliate against those who disrupted her life

Simran as Meena in Rocketry captivates the audience with her sonorous performance as an endearing, yet frail wife with gargantuan amounts of resolve

Nadiya as Yashoda in Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadha sports a compelling performance. Her resonant expressions add more nuance and layers to the story of a couple finding forgotten love