Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
At just 21 years old, Millie Bobby Brown has already secured her place as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. The star of Stranger Things, who first captivated audiences with her portrayal of Eleven, now finds herself at the forefront of Netflix’s most high-profile projects. However, her latest role in The Electric State, a mindbogglingly expensive Netflix sci-fi film, has sparked mixed reactions and raised questions about her trajectory as a ‘Stream Queen’ – a title that comes with both acclaim and criticism.
The Electric State, in which Brown stars alongside Chris Pratt, has not been warmly received by critics. Described by The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey as “punishingly obvious and completely incoherent,” the film’s one-star reviews have been echoed by many others. The movie, which centres around two hollow characters moving aimlessly through a barren plot, seems to be yet another forgettable venture in Brown’s recent streak of Netflix productions.
In addition to The Electric State, Brown has produced and starred in the Enola Holmes franchise and the fantasy thriller Damsel. These films, though successful in viewership numbers, have failed to showcase her potential as a heavyweight actor. Unlike some of her contemporaries – such as Jenna Ortega from Wednesday or Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton – who have seamlessly transitioned into theatrically released films, Brown has remained in the orbit of straight-to-streaming content, with few big-screen ventures outside of the Godzilla blockbusters.
The 'Stream Queen' phenomenon
While Brown’s Netflix films may not be critical darlings, they are undeniably popular. With a massive social media following, including 64 million Instagram followers, Brown has cultivated a unique kind of stardom. Damsel, despite its lukewarm reception, garnered 143 million views, making it one of the most-watched films of the year. This viewership is a testament to her ability to draw in audiences, even if the films themselves lack artistic depth.
In a world where streaming services like Netflix have blurred the lines between TV and cinema, Brown has become the face of this new era. Historically, actors were confined to either television or film, and crossing between the two was a rare achievement. However, with the advent of streaming, the distinction has become less clear, and the notion of a ‘streaming actor’ has emerged – a role Brown seems to have embraced.
There are comparisons to be drawn between Brown and her The Electric State co-star, Chris Pratt. Pratt, who rose to fame with his role in Parks and Recreation, has since starred in big-budget blockbusters such as Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy. However, he has also made several direct-to-streaming films like The Tomorrow War, which have garnered a reputation for being underwhelming and lacking substance. Both actors seem drawn to projects with high budgets but little artistic merit – content that is easily consumed but quickly forgotten.
Brown’s relationship with cinema
One aspect of Brown’s career that sets her apart from other young actors is her apparent indifference towards cinema as an art form. In an interview with The Sun, she admitted to rarely watching movies and finding it difficult to engage with them. “I don’t watch movies. People say, ‘You should definitely watch this movie; it would change your life.’ And I’m like, ‘How long do I have to sit there for?’” she said. This attitude stands in contrast to her contemporaries, who often express deep passion for cinema and view it as a craft to be honed and explored.
Brown’s disinterest in film may explain why she has become such a perfect fit for Netflix. The streaming giant has been criticised for prioritising quantity over quality, producing content that is designed to be consumed passively. In many cases, Netflix films cater to an audience that isn’t fully engaged – viewers who are often multitasking or watching with divided attention. It seems fitting that Brown, who herself admits to struggling with the patience to watch films, has become the poster child for a platform that treats cinema more like disposable content than an art form.
The actress defended her claim that acting demands more than desk jobs in a recent interview.
She said office workers can "chill out" during work hours, unlike film stars.
Fans and working professionals called her comments privileged and out of touch.
The backlash started after her appearance on Amazon Prime's Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle.
Critics pointed out the financial gap and support systems actors have compared to regular employees.
Kajol probably didn't expect this reaction when she sat down with Twinkle Khanna on Two Much. But her comments about actors working harder than people with 9-to-5 jobs have blown up, and not in a good way.
Fans slam Kajol after she says actors work harder than regular employees sparking online outrage Getty Images
The comments that started it all
Kajol was speaking out about her earlier comments on Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle on Amazon Prime, where she said actors work harder than most people. This time she was explaining why she thinks that.
She told The Hollywood Reporter India that her days are full of shoots, events, and very early flights. One day involved waking at 5 AM to catch a flight to Jaipur for a 3 PM event.
But it was her take on regular jobs that got people talking. She claimed desk workers don't need to be "100% present" and can take breaks, "chill out," and relax while working. She kept coming back to the unending scrutiny actors face like the feeling of always being watched or something as simple as how you cross your legs or who's snapping a picture in the background becomes a constant calculation. You have to be switched on, she insisted, all the time.
The internet, frankly, was having none of it. YouTube and Reddit exploded with responses. "For the kind of remuneration actors are paid, they shouldn't have a problem working 12 hours a day for 4 days a week," one user wrote. Another pointed out that films typically take 3-4 months to shoot, while regular jobs run year-round.
The responses got more pointed. "Vanity mein naps or massages bhi toh hum lete hain," a Reddit user commented, referencing the comfort of vanity vans. Someone else joked: "If you work poorly, you get fired. If you act poorly, you get a Filmfare award."
The bluntest response yet? "Respectfully, Kajol, shut up."
Nobody denies acting is demanding. Long hours, public pressure, and constant judgement are very real. But comparing it to regular employment ignores some major differences.
Most people work 12 months a year with two weeks' holiday if they're lucky. They don't have spot boys fetching drinks or vanity vans for rest breaks. One netizen nailed it: "A working parent's schedule is continuous, every single day, with no wrap-up party or off-season."
Online erupts as Kajol defends claim that acting demands more than everyday 9-to-5 workGetty Images
There's also the money. While her fee for a single film is probably more than most people earn in a year, she says that doesn’t make the work easy. Still, it does provide a comfort that regular employees don’t have. Kajol has not yet replied to the backlash.
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