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The era of actresses waiting to be rescued by heroes is fast fading away. From Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra to Telugu actresses Samantha, Kajal Aggarwal and Mrunal Thakur, leading ladies are increasingly embracing action-oriented roles and redefining traditional screen stereotypes.

Alia Bhatt’s action-packed avatar in the upcoming film Alpha and Priyanka Chopra’s fierce first look from her Telugu debut Varanasi have created considerable excitement. Priyanka, seen wielding a gun while draped in a saree, has particularly grabbed the attention of fans and industry insiders.

Producer-director M. S. Raju believes actresses are no longer restricted to playing damsels in distress. “They are breaking new ground and exploring powerful characters to connect with Gen Z audiences. Alia and Priyanka look striking in their new avatars and are adding to the growing list of actresses who have successfully transformed from romantic leads into action stars,” he says.

Samantha, with Maa Inti Bangaram, and Kajal Aggarwal through Satyabhama, have already contributed to this trend. According to Raju, actresses are making a strong statement with gun-wielding characters and high-octane action sequences, showcasing a completely different side of their talent.

“Today’s actresses are capable of handling every kind of role. They want to prove their versatility, experiment with fresh avatars and move beyond conventional glamour-based characters,” he adds.

The trend is gaining momentum in Telugu cinema as well. Mrunal Thakur is set for a major image makeover in Dacoit, where she will be seen handling firearms and portraying a more aggressive character, a departure from her girl-next-door image.

“Image makeovers are essential for actresses who want to break free from glamorous roles,” says Raju. “Instead of waiting for heroes to save them, these characters fight their own battles. They are becoming game changers.”

Younger actresses are also embracing the shift. Samyuktha Menon (Devil), Anupama Parameswaran (Tillu Square) and Faria Abdullah (Mathu Vadalara 2) have all experimented with stronger and more dynamic roles.

Director Hemanth Madhukar agrees that action roles provide actresses with a refreshing alternative to bubbly or glamour-centric characters. “Anger-driven and action-oriented roles help actresses connect with a wider audience,” says Hemanth, who trained actress Anjali in firearm handling for Nishabdham.

“Such roles enhance their brand value, create buzz through impactful first-look posters and help them reach an entirely new audience,” he concludes.