Mumbai

Actor Jyothika believes Hindi cinema, especially the OTT space, is increasingly offering richer, more complex roles for women over 40, making it an exciting phase for female performers.

Jyothika, who recently appeared in the Hindi web series Dabba Cartel, is now gearing up for the release of “System”, an upcoming original film from Amazon Prime Video, where she shares screen space with Sonakshi Sinha and Ashutosh Gowariker.

Helmed by director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the courtroom thriller follows the journey of an influential prosecutor, played by Sinha, who joins forces with an unassuming stenographer portrayed by Jyothika to expose hidden truths, ultimately confronting the conflict between authority and justice.

Speaking about the changing landscape of storytelling in Hindi entertainment, Jyothika said she is encouraged by the variety of characters now being written for women in their forties and beyond.

“It feels incredibly refreshing. I’m seeing women being portrayed with much more depth, imperfections, and complexity. There’s diversity, there are grey shades, and there are many kinds of personalities being explored. It’s wonderful to witness,” the actor said.

With a career spanning nearly three decades and over 50 films, Jyothika said her creative priorities have evolved significantly over the past ten years, with a stronger inclination towards stories centred on women’s journeys and empowerment.

Reflecting on the contrast between southern cinema and Hindi content, she noted that while mainstream southern films continue to thrive in the theatrical format, many roles there are still largely shaped by a male perspective.

“I’ve loved everything I’ve done in the south and I’ll continue working there. But I do feel Hindi content, particularly because of OTT, is exploring many more dimensions for women. There’s greater diversity in storytelling here, and I’m enjoying being part of both worlds,” she said.

Talking about her character Sarika Rawat in “System”, Jyothika described the role as deeply engaging and emotionally demanding.

“She is an observer, someone who understands every rhythm of the courtroom. She watches, connects, plans, and quietly plays her part. At the same time, she’s a mother balancing a hectic life—very much like an everyday woman,” she said.

The actor added that much of Sarika’s impact comes through silence rather than dialogue, making the performance particularly challenging.

“There are many silent moments in the film, and expressing emotions without words is both difficult and immensely rewarding. That’s what makes Sarika so special to me,” she added.

Jyothika also spoke warmly about collaborating with Sonakshi Sinha, saying their shared professional values helped build an effortless on-screen chemistry.

“She’s fantastic. We are very alike in many ways—punctual, disciplined, and drawn to similar kinds of cinema. She has made some remarkable choices in her career. When you genuinely connect off-screen, it naturally translates on-screen,” she said.

Known for acclaimed southern films such as Khushi, Dumm Dumm Dumm, Kaakha Kaakha, Kaatrin Mozhi, Raatchasi, and Ponmagal Vandhal, as well as Hindi projects like Shaitaan and Srikanth, Jyothika said an actor’s choices naturally evolve with age and experience.

“When you begin as a teenager, you want to work with the biggest stars, be part of grand films, and establish yourself. Then, after years of work, you mature—not just as an actor but as a person. You begin to value your craft differently,” she said.

“And eventually, there comes a phase where you say no to most of what comes your way and choose only what gives you peace and satisfaction.”

“System” also features actors Adinath Kothare, Gaurav Pandey, and others in important roles.

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Produced by Baweja Studios under producers Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Smitha Baliga, the film is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on May 22.