The trailer for Kangana Ranaut's next film Simran has just come out and it looks like a fun, woman-centric film once again - we don't have too many of those in India. Women-centric cinema is still a nascent genre in the country and most films in the category tend to be on gender-based violence.
Not that this is a bad thing. However, once in a while, it is wonderful to watch a light-hearted film that sees the world from a woman's perspective, and not necessarily when she has been violated. Queen was that come of age film for Bollywood.
The film was supposed to be remade in all four South Indian languages - there were reports that Amala Paul and later Tamannaah had signed up to play Kangana's role in the remakes. However, we still don't know much about the project. Here are our choices for the south Indian Rani:
Anjali
This talented actor has excelled in girl-next-door roles and has the right amount of spunk for Rani's character. Anjali is known for her quick tongue and dialogue delivery and it's a pity that we don't see her more often on the big screen. She would be a great fit for the naive Rani who turns sophisticated in a newly discovered Paris. Remember that terrific scene when Rani goes clubbing but not before she safely puts her sweater inside her bag? Yeah, we can totally imagine Anjali doing that.
Nithya Menen
She has Rani's curls to be sure! Nithya Menen is a versatile actor who has performed well across south Indian industries. She can look remarkably vulnerable and yet quite chic. Towards the end, Rani turns classy and meets her ex like a boss - Nithya Menen would nail the scene.
Parvathy
Parvathy is a chameleon who can play any role and do it convincingly. Like Nithya, she too has wild curls and can pull off a simple look as well as turn sophisticated at the drop of a hat. Parvathy also has a knack for comedy and would own scenes like the cab one where Rani tells her bindass friend that in India "kuch bhi allowed nahi hai - that snort? Yes, Parvathy would be awesome.
Aishwarya Rajesh
The Rani role requires someone who can act well and isn't stuck with a glamorous image. Aishwarya has played a wide range of characters within a short span. She has, so far, done films with strong characterizations and Queen would be right up her alley. We can see her go completely wide-eyed at the sight of the Eiffel Tower and land a kiss on a hot Italian chef at the same time.
Nazriya Nazim
It's a pity we don't see Nazriya on screen any more. She has impeccable comic timing and a way of portraying vulnerability and naivete without getting on one's nerves like the average loosu ponnu heroine. She's the only heroine who can do "bubbly" without being downright stupid. Nazriya would be fantastic in that scene when Rani walks into a shop selling sex toys to buy gifts for her family.