Actor Rukmini Vasanth addressed criticism against Sandalwood, responding to claims that it does not live up to the expectations set by other Indian film industries such as Bollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood, and Tollywood. At the India Today Conclave South 2025, she responded to comparisons between these industries and Sandalwood.
Speaking at India Today Conclave South 2025, Rukmini said, “I come from Sandalwood. I have a bias there. I think there is incredible work happening there and has been happening. It’s a matter of perspective.”
The actor also emphasised that Kollywood is coming out with films that command attention. “Now, attention is going there. There are massive films like ‘KGF’ and ‘Kantara’ that command a certain kind of attention.”
At the conclave, Rukmini also gave a shout-out to a Kannada film that was in the race for the Oscars. The 28-year-old said, “A Kannada film, ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know…’, was also in the Oscars race. It did win. There is stuff happening on a grassroots level as well as on a massive scale.”
“You can’t really work on generality. I am very excited that there is a spotlight on our industry now. It’s an amazing time to be an actor there and from there,” she added.
She also shared her experience of working with actors Rishabh Shetty and Yash. Rukmini said, “They are very passionate artists. They are very creative and wonderful human beings. I am very privileged to be working with them. I feel as if I am a sponge and taking in as much as I can while working with these people and their approach to work. The sheer passion and commitment to their work is awe-inspiring.”
On the professional front, Rukmini Vasanth will be seen in Rishabh Shetty’s upcoming film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ and Yash’s much-awaited film ‘Toxic.’
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