Few debates in Tamil cinema grow as heated as the one over how its heroines dance. One camp argues that Chennai-style choreography (popularized by Prabhu Deva) has coarsened the female form. They point to exaggerated gestures and hip thrusts. Prabhu Deva's influence is often blamed. His style, built on high-energy, masculine movement, set a template that many choreographers still follow.
The opposing camp wants something else entirely. These viewers say heroines are too often handed basic moves while the hero gets the real choreography. They would rather see actresses attempt the same demanding moves as the men, not sway at the edges of the frame.
Songs like Rowdy Baby in Maari, with Sai Pallavi matching her co-star step for step, draw wild praise because they deliver both skill and personality. Critics hold it up as proof of what is possible.
The trouble is that such songs are rare. Most Kollywood numbers still lean on repetitive moves. Heroines deserve better dance floors, and exceptions like Rowdy Baby should become the rule.
