Direction, still a male bastion?

Why is it that women directors are so few in K-Town? The ladies in the industry opine
When they launched themselves as directors, they made their mark with refreshing concepts and storylines. But, when it came to their second film, it either it took off after a long gap or saw a long delay or at times never took off at all. The reasons could be varied and relative to each one of them, but the fact that needs to be explored is whether the film industry is still a man���������s world?
Anjana Ali Khan, who made her debut with Veppam, says, ���������Most male-centric fields continue to be, if not downright hostile, at least not overwhelmingly receptive to women.The Tamil film industry is no exception. I can���������t say whether my struggle in the industry was due to my gender, this is such a field that most people have to battle to get a break, often for many years.���������
Madhumita Vijay, who has directed Vallamai Thaaraayo and Kola Kolaya Mundhirika, says, ���������Majority of the people working in this industry happen to be men but there are plenty of capable women technicians and directors too. The biggest challenge is proving to the men that you know what you���������re talking about.���������
Sharada Ramanathan, who is gearing up with Thiruppangal, after the critically-acclaimed Sringaram, says, ���������The ���������formula��������� cinema, as we know it, is a commercial agenda set by the men folk, not women. It is the struggle of creativity against the compulsions of commerce. But the good news is that audiences are changing and they want something new with regard to content from each film and are prepared to experiment with cinema viewing. It is up to the producers and distributors to match audience imagination and deliver.���������
Janaki Vishwanathan, who has directed Kutty and Kanavu Meipada Vendum, says, ���������If asked as to why we do not make films as often as frontline directors do, I would say, it is because of personal reasons but then no one asks a man, whether they are busy with family problems. Regarding the kind of films we make, we are asked whether they are ���������art films���������. Maybe the question arises when we do not work with commercial, mainstream actors.���������
Financial blocks cannot be denied, which is why, one ends up producing her own films. Says Madhumitha, ���������Both my films were produced under our home banner. I���������d love to have other people produce my films and allow me to focus entirely on the creative aspect!���������
But, eventually, these women say their gender also makes their films different from the rut. Anjana sums it up best saying, ���������I do acknowledge the beauty of a woman���������s perspective. It is certainly special and enriched in a way that is so different from a man���������s creative processing and interpretation. It���������s the presence of both that makes the whole cauldron unique, I feel.���������