“I Don’t Agree with Unnecessarily Objectifying Women”: Kayadu Lohar Takes a Stand on Representation in Cinema
Rising star Kayadu Lohar has sparked an important conversation regarding the portrayal of women in film, asserting that she will steadfastly decline roles that rely on the objectification of women merely to generate “attention” or social media buzz.
The actress, known for her recent work in the Malayalam film industry, addressed the subject during a candid interview with Sudheer Srinivasan. When pressed on the thin line between artistic storytelling and exploitation, Lohar clarified that while she is not inherently opposed to bold or intimate portrayals, she draws a firm boundary based on narrative necessity.
A Question of Context
The discussion was prompted by a specific sequence in the trailer for her upcoming project, Immortal, where the camera frames the actress in a way that some viewers might interpret as sexualized.
“I don’t agree with unnecessarily objectifying women at all,” Lohar stated. “But if I am convinced that the story and the character require it, and if the role feels convincing to me, then I am okay with it to an extent. Otherwise, I don’t like doing such things just to get attention. It may sometimes trend on Instagram, but I have absolutely no interest in that. I would never say ‘yes’ to such films.”
For Lohar, the key lies in the “why” behind the lens. She emphasized that she evaluates scripts based on the character’s journey; if a scene serves the plot, it is a creative choice, but if it is included solely for the sake of viral engagement, she views it as gratuitous.
Breaking the Industry Stigma
Beyond her personal professional standards, Lohar acknowledged the systemic challenges of speaking out against established industry norms. She noted that questioning the status quo can often feel like an isolating experience, as many within the film fraternity have grown accustomed to specific, outdated tropes.
“Starting a conversation about such things itself is a very difficult thing,” the actress explained. “We may be the only ones speaking about it, while everyone else may have an attitude of ‘this is how things are here.’” She pointed to the recent public backlash surrounding the portrayal of female characters in popular cinema as evidence that audiences are becoming increasingly sensitive to how women are represented on screen.
Current Success and Future Path
Lohar’s stance on her craft comes at a time when she is enjoying significant professional momentum. She is currently garnering attention for her pivotal role in the newly released Malayalam action-thriller I’m Game.
The film, directed by Nahas Hidhayath, marks the highly anticipated return of superstar Dulquer Salmaan to the Malayalam industry after a three-year hiatus. Following her appearance in the period drama Pathonpatham Noottandu, Lohar’s performance in I’m Game continues to establish her as a versatile talent who is as thoughtful about her off-screen principles as she is dedicated to her on-screen performances.
By taking such a definitive stand, Kayadu Lohar is signaling to both filmmakers and fans that she intends to be a part of a new wave of cinema—one that prioritizes meaningful character work over superficial tropes.
