Lyricist Shruthi Sharanyam's debut film has six women leads

Lyricist Shruthi Sharanyam is making her feature directorial debut with

B32 Muthal 44 Vare

, a film on body politics with six leading women characters. The film is part of Kerala State Film Development Corporation’s (KSFDC) initiative to encourage women directors and is the fourth film made under the project.

The film features

Ramya Nambeesan

, Anarkali Marikar, Zarin Shihab, Krisha Kurup, debutants Ashwathy and Raina Radhakrishnan. Shruthi says, “All the main women characters have equally important roles. It is about women who are living in varied circumstances in Kochi. For instance, Anarkali plays a trans man in the film. My work had won the scriptwriting competition held by KSFDC competition and the state culture department. I am making it as a commercial film.”

Shruthi, who has been vocal about gender rights through her earlier music work, is visibly proud that about 80% of the technicians on the film are women, and she has fought and managed to implement a complaints commission on the set. “I think art is political activism, as well. Even if we are not talking politics, when we do something, it has to be politically correct. And this movie, a satire, makes a strong political statement.,” she says. The film sets is also operating in a sustainable nature, using reusable bottles and utensils, reducing costume and other waste and reducing lights to cut down on electricity consumption.

The debut director notes that it is great fun and comfortable to work in a woman dominated environment. “There is a feeling that it is our collective film and everyone is working with that intent. The actors are working on a very small remuneration. That shows their passion to the work. We are also trying to create an environment of equality, whether in food or lodging. Even as a government project, they were not keen about setting up an

ICC

, but I said I would take it up further and so we had it set up even before the High Court Order came on Thursday. This should be done routinely as part of our social responsibility and I think the increased number of women filmmakers are beginning to make a difference,” she says. Sudeep Elamon is the DoP of the film.