South Indian movies include musicals for spicy entertainment. They are enriched with various musicals including item songs. An item song is a musical performance in cinema, which is different from the storyline and revolves around a special dance number performed by a female character called the item girl. Item songs usually display glamorous clothes, energetic steps, and suggestive dance moves.
If you watch Telugu movies, whether in theatres or on OTT platforms like Aha, you will notice one thing very clearly — item songs are everywhere. These songs get millions of views, are replayed again and again. They often become more popular than the movie itself.
These days, item songs are expected in every commercial launch. Even a film with a mediocre script could gain massive traction if it had one unforgettable musical hook. Songs like ‘Aa Ante Amalapuram’ or ‘Ringa Ringa’ became cultural phenomena.
Here are top three reasons why we find so many item songs in South Indian Movies:
1. Source of Entertainment
First, item songs are mainly about entertainment and attention. Telugu cinema has always been known for its mass appeal. An item song works like a break — something fun, flashy, and catchy.
2. Star Power
Second, star power brings the item songs more alive. Popular film stars and dancers appear in the songs and gain a lot of fan followers.
3. Strong Marketing Tools for Movie Producers
Third, item songs are a strong marketing tool that provide good engagement. Many movies promote the item song even before the trailer is released. Youngsters enjoy the songs, and they are played during festivals. The song is played on TV, social media, reels, and now on OTT platforms like Aha.
Feminist Critics Views on Item Songs
Feminist critics strongly point out that the item songs often objectify women’s bodies. The camera angles, dance moves, and close-ups focus mostly on sensual body parts of the actresses, like hips or midriffs, for gaining male attention. A key idea used here is the male gaze.
‘Oo Antava Mawa’ suggests that no matter what the girls are wearing, what their skin colors are, how much they weigh, or how tall they are, the men leer at them in a lustful manner.
This doesn’t mean all item songs in South Indian Movies are exactly the same. Some argue that dancers and actresses find power in expressing their bodies and sexuality through songs. This could challenge old norms about how women should actually behave.
As people become more educated about gender politics and representation, the discussion of the role of item songs could play a part in shaping the future of Telugu cinema, whether it is on the big screen or on streaming sites such as Aha.
Final Thoughts
We can say that item songs have become a strong and lasting part of Telugu cinema. As viewers enjoy Telugu movies across the world today, Aha gives easy access to us. Dive into a world of South Indian movies and Telugu entertainment now on Aha.
