The director talks about the research that went into designing the characters in the film, women-centric movies, and a lot more.
'B 32 Muthal 44 Vare' marks first feature film of director Shruthi Sharanyam. (Supplied)
Shruti Sharanyam’s debut feature film B 32 Muthal 44 Vare (Bust 32” to 44”) is out in theatres.
The film is getting rave reviews for its bold take on gender and body politics, issues faced by queer community and women from the lower class. The title itself is a brave attempt as it suggests the bust size of women which is rare in Malayalam cinema.
Ramya Nambeesan, Zarin Shihab, Ashwathy B, Anarkali Marikar, Krishna Kurup, and Raina Radhakrishnan played the characters of six women around whom the film revolves.
The project is produced by Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) to empower women directors.
In an exclusive interview with South First, Shruthi Sharanyam talks about her latest venture, her journey as a music video director, and feminism in movies.
Q. What made you write a script on gender disparity, body politics and women’s issues?
Shruthi Sharanyam with the cast and crew of ‘B 32 Muthal 44 Vare’. (Supplied)
A. The script of B 32 Muthal 44 Vare has elements of my own experiences as a woman and that of others.
I prepared the concept in 2018 after getting inspired by some news clippings and discussed it with Ramya Nambeesan. The subject is relevant at all times.
The story happens in an urban setting in present-day life. It is a story of five women and a transman. Some news stories which I had heard also inspired me.
Q. How many women worked in this movie? Was it a deliberate decision to include women?
A. More than 30 people were part of the film. I did not count the exact number.
And yes, it was a deliberate decision to include them in the team because this was a government initiative aimed at empowering women. Moreover, I thought I should do my bit towards the cause.
View this post on Instagram
Q. Tell us about the research work you did for the project.
A. A lot of research went into B 32 Muthal 44 Vare because I wanted to address intersectionality.
Anarkali (Marikar) plays a transman. So, I spoke to the members of the trans community and learned about their experiences.
Since Ramya (Nambeesan) essays the character of a cancer survivor, I researched that aspect.
Raina Radhakrishna plays a minor girl (Nidhi) who delivers a baby. I spoke with the officials in the Women Development and Child Welfare department and also studied the legal aspects.
Q. Why didn’t you reveal much about the minor girl’s past?
A. I didn’t find the need to. Nidhi was a normal girl going through hormonal changes and adolescent fantasies. She probably had a boyfriend and made love to him.
I don’t think she was abused. It could be her choice. But there are certain things that minors should be careful about.
Engaging in sexual activity as a minor is a crime. The laws are made to protect them. Nidhi is a victim who didn’t get proper sex education and hence landed in a trouble.
View this post on Instagram
Q. You said the sexual abuse faced by Rachel in the movie is inspired by your personal experience. How did you overcome that?
A. Yes, they are my own experiences. I faced sexual abuse more than a decade ago, in two different phases and in two different scenarios which I reflected through Rachel’s character.
It was a trauma. I have gone through hell. I only had a small experience, of course, a violation.
In one incident, I filed a complaint against the abuser. In another case, I didn’t speak up and was in a difficult situation.
I don’t want to talk more about the incidents. But, in my movie, Rachel reacts and files a complaint.
View this post on Instagram
Q. Through the film, are you telling the victims to react?
A. Exactly. First of all, she should realise that it is a violation. In the movie, the male character who abuses Rachel could have told her that he didn’t mean to.
But Rachael realises that it was a violation and exploitation. So, she reacts.
Q. Jaya is from the lower class. Was it a deliberate decision to portray her as a woman transforming into a model?
A. Yes. Why can’t a person from the lower class become a model? Why can’t a domestic help have emancipation in her life?
Such a transformation from domestic help to a model is possible in all classes.
View this post on Instagram
Q. Please elaborate on the male characters in your film.
A. Vivek (Harish Uthaman) is a nice person without any inhibitions and behaves well with women. He is a good husband, too.
Shruthi Sharanyam on the sets of ‘B 32 Muthal 44 Vare’. (Supplied)
But it’s not just about that. There should be some chemistry between him and his wife Malini (Ramya Nambeesan). But a sexual relationship and warmth of body are absent here.
Even though he does everything, he keeps avoiding her and doesn’t even look at her.
On the other hand, Jaya’s husband is a normal person. As he is helpless, he asks his wife to go for modelling.
But then, when people start asking about Jaya’s choice, his mind changes.
Q. Are there any references for the male characters?
A. No. We don’t always need references while writing characters. Those men came into my mind while thinking about the subject.
View this post on Instagram
W. What was late screenwriter John Paul’s contribution as he was on the jury selecting the script for the KSFDC project?
A. John Paul sir’s suggestions were insightful. He asked me not to treat the script intellectually and advised me to treat the journey of the characters emotionally.
Q. How was it possible to make the movie without preaching?
A. It was really difficult. Some dialogues and situations were preachy but I removed those scenes.
Q. How forward is Kerala’s audience towards women-oriented movies?
Shruthi Sharanyam with Ramya Nambeesan and other actors. (Supplied)
A. Some women-oriented films like The Great Indian Kitchen did have an impact and evoked warm responses from the audience. So, it’s clear that there are takers for such films.
During the screening of B 32 Muthal 44 Vare, we saw audiences getting engrossed and clapping for some scenes. This is an example that people are willing to lap women-centric films up.
Q. How do you find feminism in a general context?
A. In a general context, I would say, there is a stigma attached to feminism.
In past films, women were shown as “society ladies” wearing sleeveless and travelling with dogs. They were stereotyped.
But, in reality, feminism is about addressing all genders and treating everyone equally.
Q. Tell us about your journey as a music video director.
A. I write lyrics for music videos and also direct them.
Three of my colleagues started an organisation in 2015. We transformed it into a production house and brought out our own music videos — Charulatha and Chirutha.
I make my living out of music videos, ad films, documentaries and corporate films.
May 17, 2024
May 17, 2024
May 16, 2024
May 16, 2024
May 16, 2024
May 15, 2024
