Women In Indian Film: A Study on Diya Suriya Docu-Drama Short Film

Abstract

The Indian film industry plays a colossal role in the world of cinema. There are no absolute limitations for its exploration. It is known that, the society being a male-dominant society, the space for women filmmakers has been explored to a minimum extent in recent decades. The refreshing paradigm in Indian cinema includes a set of women filmmakers who have been successful on the mainstream front. Across genres, notable women filmmakers have proved their mettle in the Indian film industry. Today, we also have women in cinema who are getting beyond being creative (as writers and directors) or being behind the camera. Women as filmmakers are not a new phenomenon, yet their presence is minimized; their capability to deliver is invariably in question. This study focuses on the women who work behind the scenes and analyzes the contribution of women filmmakers to the construction of a female gaze in Indian cinema. The aim of this study is to determine the women filmmakers in Indian cinema. Women are making strides in creative technical roles. The prime objective of this study is to analyze how women filmmakers have specific approaches behind the scenes in Indian films. The sociological approach employs in this study through the feministic art form, and the short film, which was directed by Diya Suriya, was selected by the researchers. The content analysis was used by the researchers in both qualitative and quantitative ways to find out the answer for the research questions: how women filmmakers contribute the roles behind the scenes in the Indian film industry. The docudrama short film “Leading Lighting” by Diya Suriya highlights the experiences of women gaffers in Bollywood, exploring their challenges and contributions, and was produced by her parents (actor Suriya & Jothika). Leading Light is a 13-minute docu-drama that highlights the journeys of women working behind the scenes with lighting equipment in film production. These women, often working in male-dominated spaces, share personal stories that capture the challenges, physical demands, and emotional toll of their profession. Further, the findings show that, even though the women are stronger, there is a male-dominant society that puts pressures on them.