Abhirami on Blast and Evolving Roles for Women: “Good Characters Are Now Being Written for My Age Group”

Actress Abhirami, known for her emotionally layered performances, has taken a significant turn in her career with the action-heavy film Blast. The project not only pushed her into physically demanding territory but also marked a shift in the kind of roles being written for women in her age bracket.

“Blast was unlike anything I’ve done before”

Speaking about her experience, Abhirami said Blast stands apart from her earlier work, which was largely performance-driven rather than action-oriented.

She noted that the film required her to perform extensive stunt sequences, a major departure from her usual roles. While she initially doubted whether she could handle the physical demands, structured training helped her build confidence over time.

A key aspect of the film, she explained, is that it does not portray women as passive characters. Instead, the female characters actively take control of their circumstances and protect themselves, reversing traditional cinematic tropes.

Heavy action, minimal dialogue

Abhirami revealed that the film involved significantly more action than dialogue, describing it as a physically intense experience.

She noted that while she initially expected a dialogue-heavy role, the final execution involved extended stunt sequences, requiring endurance, precision, and physical resilience.

The actor also shared a personal anecdote about her daughter witnessing the shoot, describing how she now sees her mother as a “superhero” after watching the action sequences unfold on set.

She credited yoga and long-term physical discipline for helping her adapt to the demanding role.

A shift in opportunities for women actors

Reflecting on her recent career trajectory, Abhirami said that she has gradually been receiving more substantial roles, which she partly attributes to being in the right place at the right time during the pandemic period.

She expressed optimism that the industry is slowly evolving, with better-written roles now being created for women in her age group.

While acknowledging progress, she also emphasized that change is gradual and requires sustained effort from the industry as a whole.

On age, roles, and perspective

Abhirami addressed the frequent observation that she often plays characters older than her real age. Rather than viewing it negatively, she takes a pragmatic approach, stating that she prefers working with the opportunities available instead of waiting for ideal roles.

She added that her character in Blast is only slightly older than her actual age and is relatable to her personal life experiences as a mother.

According to her, meaningful participation in the industry is more important than restrictive expectations about age or typecasting.

Reunion with Arjun after 25 years

Blast also marked a long-awaited reunion between Abhirami and actor Arjun, more than two decades after their first collaboration in Vaanavil, her debut Tamil film.

She recalled that she was very young during their first project and still learning the language and craft of acting.

In Blast, however, she described a more collaborative dynamic, where both actors brought experience to the table. She also credited Arjun for guiding her through the film’s action sequences and ensuring safety during physically challenging scenes.

A changing phase in cinema

Abhirami’s journey in Blast reflects a broader shift in the film industry, where female characters are increasingly being written with depth, agency, and physical strength.

Her experience highlights how evolving storytelling is opening space for women-led action narratives that move beyond traditional stereotypes.