Kriti Sanon discusses the shift in Bollywood: "I'm optimistic that filmmakers will take the leap and invest in women-led films," she stated

Actor Kriti Sanon is optimistic that the triumph of her recent film, Crew, will open doors for more high-budget productions featuring women in prominent roles. In the movie, she shares the spotlight with Tabu and Kareena Kapoor as one of the three main leads. Within just nine days of its release, Crew has amassed over ₹100 crore worldwide, marking a significant milestone in its success. Kriti, a National Award winner, previously appeared in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, Crew is a captivating heist comedy that centers around three resourceful air hostesses who seize control of their fate in the face of their airline's bankruptcy. Alongside Kriti Sanon, the film features an ensemble cast including Diljit Dosanjh, Kapil Sharma, Rajesh Sharma, Saswata Chatterjee, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda, adding depth and charm to the narrative.

Kriti expressed frustration with the prevailing notion among filmmakers that audiences aren't interested in female-oriented films. She emphasized that a movie doesn't necessarily need a male lead to draw viewers to theaters, challenging the industry's reluctance to invest in and promote female-centric narratives. Kriti sees the success of Crew as a potential catalyst for change, hoping it will encourage producers to take more risks and allocate resources to projects with women in leading roles. She envisions a shift in mindset where female-led films receive equal investment and promotion, leading to comparable box office numbers as their male-led counterparts.

Referencing the success of 2022's Gangubai Kathiawadi, the 33-year-old actor noted how director Sanjay Leela Bhansali elevated the Alia Bhatt-starrer, both in scale and narrative depth, resulting in critical acclaim and strong box office performance. Notably, Kriti and Alia were both honored with the Best Actress National Film Award for their standout performances in Mimi and Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Kriti emphasized Bhansali's portrayal of his female protagonist as a hero, highlighting a departure from the typical constraints faced by female-led films. She observed that such films often contend with budget limitations, as there's a prevailing skepticism about their ability to draw audiences to theaters compared to male-led productions.

"People's expectations are often limited, and there's a lack of belief in the potential success of female-led films. This perception needs to shift for real change to happen. If producers allocate resources and present female-led films with the same level of investment and grandeur as they do with male-led ones like Dunki, there's a strong possibility for success. The key lies in believing in the strength of the content, regardless of the gender of the lead character," she concluded.

Kriti is eagerly anticipating the release of Do Patti, which also marks her debut as a producer through her Blue Butterfly Films. The film, set to premiere on Netflix this year, sees Kriti reuniting with her Dilwale co-star Kajol.

"The shooting for Do Patti is wrapped up, and we're currently in the editing phase. Despite the complexity of the film and the numerous locations involved, we managed to finish shooting relatively quickly. I've had the opportunity to explore various hill stations for this project, from Mussoorie and Nainital to Manali," she shared.

Reflecting on her role as a producer, Kriti expressed how Do Patti provided her with invaluable learning opportunities. "I'm committed to producing films that resonate with me on a personal level. It's crucial to foster opportunities for women in the industry. While many stories are crafted for male protagonists, there's a gap in narratives for women, especially as they age. However, I'm not limited to any particular genre; what matters most is that the stories possess depth and emotional resonance," she emphasized.