In an industry historically dominated by male protagonists, sustaining a lengthy career as a heroine is a formidable challenge. Nayanthara, the Lady Superstar, emerges as a rare gem, celebrating 20 years in the industry as of December 25, 2023. Her journey spans across Kollywood, Tollywood, and Mollywood, with notable successes in each. Nayanthara made her debut in 2003 with the Malayalam film “Manassinakkare,” setting the stage for a remarkable career. Over two decades, she has not only maintained her presence in the industry but also left an indelible mark. Having ventured into Sandalwood with “Super” alongside Upendra and Bollywood with “Jawan” starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara proved her versatility and garnered success in different film industries.
Her repertoire includes a diverse range of roles, from powerful female-centric characters to glamorous and performance-oriented roles. Nayanthara even explored the devotional genre, portraying Lord Seetha in “Sri Rama Rajyam.” A remarkable achievement in her career in this generation is the portrayal of 13 female-centric roles in just nine years. Nayanthara stands as an inspiration for aspiring heroines, showcasing a journey filled with dedication and success. Her ability to balance female-centric projects with lead roles alongside star heroes sets her apart in the industry.
1. *”Elektra” (2010)*
2. *”Anaamika” (2014)*
3. *”Maaya” (2015)*
4. *”Dora” (2017)*
5. *”Aramm” (2017)*
6. *”Kolamaavu Kokila” (2018)*
7. *”Airaa” (2019)*
8. *”Kolaiyuthir Kaalam” (2019)*
9. *”Mookuthi Amman” (2020)*
10. *”Netrikann” (2021)*
11. *”O2″ (2022)*
12. *”Connect” (2022)*
13. *”Annapoorani” (2023) – Landmark 75th film*
These films showcase Nayanthara’s versatility and dedication to portraying strong and diverse female characters throughout her career.
Nayanthara further captivated audiences with her diverse roles, showcasing a spectrum of performances.
From the poignant elegance in “Vismayathumbathu” and “Rappakal” to the fierce charisma in “Boss” and “Tulasi,” she left an indelible mark.
Her versatility extended to films like “Yaaradi Nee Mohini,” “Sri Rama Rajyam,” “Bhaskar The Rascal,” “Jai Simha,” “Viswasam,” “Puthiya Niyamam,” and “Kaathuvaakula Kaadhal,” where she demonstrated her prowess in delivering powerful and nuanced performances.
Nayanthara’s filmography isn’t confined to intense roles alone; she seamlessly transitioned into stylish, glamour-infused characters in films like “Billa,” “Arrambam,” “Irumugan,” “Imaikka Nodigal,” and “Jawan,” proving her ability to balance sophistication with power-packed portrayals. Her cinematic journey is truly a testament to her dynamic range as an actress.
As a tribute to Nayanthara’s two-decade-long career, a list of the top 3 films has been curated. While opinions may differ, the following are personal favorites:
Nayanthara’s journey is not just a testament to her talent but also a celebration of breaking barriers in an industry that has traditionally favored male leads. As she embarks on the next phase of her illustrious career, let’s extend our heartfelt wishes for continued success and eagerly anticipate her upcoming projects. Cheers to two decades of cinematic brilliance!
As Nayanthara completes 20 years in the industry, fans are joyously celebrating with the hashtag #20YearsOfNayanism on social media platforms.
