Puja Talwar
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Actor Jyotika’s Ponmangal Vandhal, a court drama, is one of the first films to have it’s global premiere on Amazon Prime on May 29. Addressing media through a Zoom press conference the actress admitted that she was glad that her film was getting a release on the OTT platform in these times, otherwise a small budget film with a female protagonist would have struggled for a theatrical release. Jyotika further added,
OTT is a wonderful platform, for an actor its a celebration to see their film on screens listening to the cheering and claps. But in these times this is the best opportunity, do realise even if theatres open, its the big films which will get priority, a small film will not get precedence. A woman centric film, a global release across 200 countries, its never happened to any of my films in the past.
Jyotika who made her debut with Doli Saja Ke Rakhna moved towards the southern film industry, she said candidly- “In Bollywood you are as good or bad as your last film, no one approached me post my first Hindi film and I got a better opportunity down south. Bollywood never approached me, and if they do with good content, I am open”.
The actress who took a break post marriage says her film choices are largely determined by her need to showcase the dignity of women with a strong social message. “With strong narratives for women actors gaining momentum amongst filmmakers and audiences, women centric films are doing well, and we have to work twice as hard for everything. But, I feel there were more roles written over women over 35. There are not enough films for women in their 40’s and 50’s like the way do in Hollywood.”, the actor said.
Ponmangal Vandhal, sees Jyotika take on the robes as she fights child trafficking. The film also stars Prabhu Pothen and K Bhagyaraj. Catch the trailer here:
