The actor’s upcoming film ‘B 32 Muthal 44 Vare’ directed by Shruthi Sharanyam deals with women, their bodies, sex education and inclusion.
Published Apr 04, 2023 | 12:31 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 18, 2023 | 3:58 PM
Actor Ramya Nambeesan. (ramyanambessan/Instagram)
Actress Remya Nambeesan has voiced concern about the remuneration paid to female actors in Malayalam cinema. The discussion kicked off after National Award-winning actress Aparna Balamurali, a few months ago, sought pay parity in the film industry.
Aparna Balamurali wondered why female actors were being paid less when compared to their male counterparts and pointed out that even up-and-coming actors were drawing more than that established actresses.
To this, producer Suresh Kumar commented that Aparna doesn’t know the financial values involved in films.
Remya, during a recent media interaction held to promote her forthcoming flick B 32 Muthal 44 Vare (Bust 32” to 44”), noted that filmdom is male-dominated and the business happens based on the star’s (male) value.
Even films helmed by female directors are often judged much before the release which isn’t the case with male directors.
Actor Ramya Nambeesan. (ramyanambessan/Instagram)
“It’s high time to check if we actresses are being paid what we deserve. I am happy that some talks have begun on that front. In most cases, the respect we command is based on our remuneration,” she asserted.
In B 32 Muthal 44 Vare, Remya Nambeesan plays the character of Malini, a social worker.
“Malini is an urban woman but is affected by a dreaded health condition. How she overcomes it by facing unexpected events is the crux of my character.”
The six women characters played by Ramya Nambeesan, Zarin Shihab, Ashwathy B, Anarkali Marikar, Krishna Kurup, and Raina Radhakrishnan in the movie have their body politics.
They create their own space in society after fighting the odds concerning their bodies.
“B 32 Muthal 44 Vare is a serious film but is crafted in a way that the audience will emotionally connect with it. They will realise that they have come across people who have been affected by the same issues that the film is dealing with,” Remya said.
Next ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7sHjsqfzlU
— Ramya Nambessan (@nambessan_ramya) March 22, 2023
B 32 Muthal 44 Vare marks director Shruthi Sharanyam’s debut feature film.
According to the filmmaker, the title refers to many metaphors like the female body and organs. “The movie is not an anthology of six stories, but a story of six women who come together at a crucial point,” she elucidated.
More than 30 women were part of the crew, including five assistant directors and an associate director.
During the pre-production stage, the director consulted the queer community for writing dialogues. She also approached the community for one of the roles but couldn’t find a suitable actor.
Director Shruthi Sharanyam at the ‘B 32 Muthal 44 Vare’. press meet. (Supplied)
“I wanted to include a transgender actor and a writer from the queer community in the crew but it couldn’t materialise,” Shruthi said.
She noted that a woman filmmaker faces many struggles until she proves her mettle. “Things do get better when we carve a niche for ourselves but it’s a long and tough fight until then.”
Shruthi Saranyam pointed out that B 32 Muthal 44 Vare won’t be preachy but discusses intersectionality, multiple genders, and sex education.
She said she conducted thorough research before writing the storyline and the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, which bankrolled the project, was more receptive to topics such as intersectionality.
Shruthi Sharanyam added that all the female and male actors in B 32 Muthal 44 Vare were paid the same amount.
The film is up for a theatrical release on 6 April.
Remya Nambeesan felt bad about the way movies made by women filmmakers are still perceived — as projects that tarnish men’s image.
About her being choosy in the Malayalam industry, she recalled that there were times when she had no project in her kitty.
“I had to take a firm stand at a certain point in time due to which I lost roles. I didn’t take it emotionally but took it all in my stride as the organic change was meant to happen.”
The 37-year-old said she knew the consequences of her stand and it was her friend (referring to the Malayalam actress who was sexually assaulted) who supported her in overcoming these situations.
https://t.co/V3EAFSoF90 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/a5xgS1paQC
— Ramya Nambessan (@nambessan_ramya) March 21, 2023
As regards the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), she said the WCC has an important role to play while dealing with women’s issues in the industry.
“For example, the formation of an internal complaints committee was a welcoming change. Also, it helps us voice our concerns against the existing system and find a solution. For instance, some of my writer friends consult me to check if certain dialogues are politically correct,” Remya pointed out.
The Tamil actress expressed her happiness over the healthy discussions happening in the Malayalam industry on pay parity and other issues related to women. She hoped that the other industries would emulate.
She noted that empowerment would be possible only when inequality and discrimination faced by women are addressed at the grassroots level.
