If you have been following Kannada cinema in recent times, you would probably know that 2025 is proving to be really interesting for female actors. There is a fresh pump in air-some familiar names seem to be working stronger this time, while newer ones step up and unexpectedly get away with the scene stealing. Be it the big-screen entertainers or tamely portrayed story-driven films, these actresses are setting the tone of what Sandalwood represents today.
Let us, for now, start off with Ashika Ranganath. In my honest opinion, the girl has never had it so good. This year, she was conferred the SIIMA Award for Best Actress in Kannada-absolutely no token win; she really did deserve it. Something about the manner in which she juxtaposes glamour with substance in the roles she plays just fits. You will likely get her in commercial films, but she delivers when needed with the required emotional heft. It is almost as if directors are starting to create the roles for her. That’s an important factor!
And then you have Rukmini Vasanth, one of the most consistent newcomers in the calendar of recent times. She’s not just jumping at every offer—she’s got to pick and she’s thoughtful about it. And smartly so. When she works in a film, her presence is noted. Grounded, mature, and absolutely in control, she is. What comprises the romantic lead or a more dramatic part, she brings in that calm intensity that some cannot grasp.
Let me tell you, Milana Nagaraj is so deserving of more love than what she gets. She came into the film industry much before some of these new names, and honestly, she has been getting better with it. To be signed for every other interesting role offered, naturally you would need to be authentic, which is the same with Milana. The kind of actress who doesn’t necessarily end up trending on social media every other week, but is always remembered long after by the audiences.
Speaking of those who deserve notice, one needs to talk about Thapaswini Poonacha. Might be a name still under the radar for some, but if you caught up with Gajarama earlier this year, you already know why she made this list. It ain’t easy to carve a niche when you are acting alongside far more experienced co-stars, and she certainly held her own and more. You can tell she’s in the early formative stages of what will surely be much more, given her potential; she has this screen presence that keeps you wanting more.
One of this year’s noticeable features is that Kannada cinema is actually giving the actresses something to do. Not only to dance around or cry for an emotional scene-but to carry full films on their shoulders, to explore layered characters, and leave their own imprint. And these women? They are really taking the chance and running with it.
Of course, the industry still has a long way to go in terms of representation. But honestly, compared to just a few years ago, these days seem to offer so much more space for female voices. And not only the “safe” or “pretty” characters-there are action, politics, drama, and even laughter! With these actresses, it’s not just about slipping into the industry; it’s about making an imprint on it.
So, for anyone who has been sleeping on Kannada cinema, the time to wake up to it is now; it’s a fantastic time to get on board. Plenty of talent, gravity, and a coming-of-age list of actresses who are not just acting but rather leading the change.
Whether it is Ashika bringing the heat with award-winning roles, Rukmini picking characters with substance, Milana steady with her pure consistency, or relatively new Thapaswini coming in with fresh energy-what is obviously being conduced by some seriously powerful women is Sandalwood in 2025.
