JO STEALS THE SHOW

Creative pursuits and independence from market diktats are the hallmarks of Jyothika’s second acting stint

- LAKSHMI SUBRAMANIAN

Tamil Nadu may be struggling to contain an epidemic explosion in the state, but the crisis was not enough to distract many from a twin storm involving actor Jyothika. First, social media users in the state attacked her when a clip of her speech at a recent award ceremony went viral. In it, she asks why hospitals and schools are not receiving donations as much as temples do, after her experiences while shooting for Raatchasi (2019). Her husband and actor-producer Suriya stood by her, issuing a strongly worded statement saying “let us sow love”.

Only days later, the couple were involved in another controversy after it was announced that her new film Ponmagal Vanthal would have a digital release on Amazon Prime in May, skipping its theatrical release. It resulted in a war of words between producers and theatre owners in the state as the couple silently fought to create a new normal for digital releases of small-budget films. The exact release date is yet to be announced as theatre owners have threatened to boycott all future Suriya’s movies.

“TO ME, AS AN ACTOR, THERE IS NOTHING CALLED WOMEN CENTRIC OR MALE-CENTRIC.... WOMEN ARE ALWAYS EQUAL TO MEN.” —Jyothika, actor

In the eye of both storms is a soft-spoken woman with an impeccable reputation in the industry. Seldom has an actor been so admired by Tamil women that she commands a fierce loyalty, even in her 40s. But Jyothika is a rarity, and has inspired many homemakers in the state, particularly after making a comeback in 2015 following a lengthy break.