Sonakshi Sinha on film choices: From masala hits to 'System'
Synopsis
Sonakshi Sinha says her early masala films — 'R... Rajkumar', 'Rowdy Rathore' — were the foundation, not the ceiling. Now playing a lawyer in courtroom drama 'System' opposite Jyothika, she insists she has reached a stage where she only does work she truly wants. The film drops on Prime Video on 22 May.
Key Takeaways
Sonakshi Sinha stars in courtroom drama 'System' , releasing on Prime Video on 22 May .
She plays Neha , a lawyer — her first such role on screen — challenged by her father (played by Ashutosh Gowariker ) to earn a firm partnership.
Jyothika co-stars as a stenographer in the film.
Sinha credited early masala films like 'Rowdy Rathore' and 'R...
Rajkumar' for building her audience base and enabling her current creative choices.
The film is produced by Pammi Baweja , Harman Baweja , and Smitha Baliga .
Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha is reflecting on a career that has taken her from high-octane masala entertainers to nuanced, character-driven roles — and she says the journey was entirely intentional. Speaking during the promotional run for her upcoming streaming film 'System', releasing on 22 May on Prime Video, Sinha opened up about how her artistic priorities have evolved over the years.
From Masala Films to Meaningful Roles
Sinha, who made her name in crowd-pleasing commercial entertainers like 'R... Rajkumar' and 'Rowdy Rathore', says she has no regrets about that phase of her career. 'I really thoroughly enjoyed myself working on those films. I think at that time, I was also in a time where I was doing a lot of these very colourful and very, so to speak, spicy films. And I enjoyed that too,' she said at the promotions held in Mumbai.
She described those early choices not as compromises but as building blocks. 'That brought me the audience, that brought me the love and support of so many people. Which is why I'm able to do roles like this today. So, I'm very grateful,' she added.
A Deliberate Shift in Artistic Direction
Sinha was candid about reaching a point where creative control has become non-negotiable. 'I've reached a point also where I'm doing only the kind of work that I want to do now,' she said. Her stated goal is range — to be an actor who can be 'put in any film' and deliver. This shift reflects a broader pattern visible across Hindi cinema, where established stars are increasingly gravitating toward streaming platforms and content-first projects.
About 'System' — Sonakshi's First Courtroom Role
In 'System', Sinha plays Neha, a determined young lawyer tasked by her father — portrayed by filmmaker-actor Ashutosh Gowariker — to prove herself worthy of a partnership in his firm. It marks her first on-screen role as a lawyer. Actress Jyothika co-stars as a stenographer in the courtroom drama.
The film is produced by Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Smitha Baliga, and drops on Prime Video on 22 May.
What to Expect
With 'System' positioning itself as a courtroom drama anchored by two strong female performances, the film arrives at a time when legal thrillers and women-led narratives are finding strong traction on Indian streaming platforms. Whether Sinha's transition from masala star to OTT lead translates into critical and audience success will be closely watched.
Point of View
Or whether it remains a transitional footnote. Streaming platforms have given mid-career actors a second wind, but the audience for courtroom dramas on Indian OTT is still maturing. Sinha's gamble is real, even if her gratitude sounds rehearsed.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'System' and when does it release?
'System' is a courtroom drama streaming on Prime Video from 22 May. It stars Sonakshi Sinha as a young lawyer and Jyothika as a stenographer, and is produced by Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Smitha Baliga.
What role does Sonakshi Sinha play in 'System'?
Sonakshi Sinha plays Neha, a determined young lawyer who must prove herself worthy of a partnership in her father's firm. It is her first on-screen role as a lawyer.
Who else stars in 'System' alongside Sonakshi Sinha?
Jyothika co-stars as a stenographer, and Ashutosh Gowariker plays Sonakshi's father in the film.
Why did Sonakshi Sinha do masala films early in her career?
Sinha has said those films — including 'Rowdy Rathore' and 'R... Rajkumar' — were what was 'required from her as an artiste' at that time. She credits them with building her audience base and enabling the more selective, content-driven choices she makes today.
How has Sonakshi Sinha's approach to film selection changed?
Sinha says she has reached a stage where she only takes on work she genuinely wants to do. She aims to be a versatile actor who can fit any kind of film, reflecting a deliberate shift from high-volume commercial cinema to fewer, more character-driven projects.
