There was a time when the fairer sex had absolutely no business behind the camera in Mollywood. They could be anything between a heroine and a wannabe, but never a technician. Of course, there were a few exceptions, but the stock remained stagnant for a long while. But recently, the scene underwent a sea change. It’s not actresses and aspirants anymore. The Malayalam industry now has crop of female crew members who consider filmmaking a serious affair.
Nayana Sooriyan entered the industry immediately after graduation.
The 21-year-old is perhaps one of the youngest assistant directors. “For me, it’s much beyond mere fancy. I was always interested in filmmaking and I consider it my true calling,” says Nayana, who has assisted filmmakers like Lenin Rajendran and Dr Biju. “I started off with short films and documentaries and now I have two major films to my credit — Akashathinte Niram and the ongoing Edavappathi. I also worked for the last leg of Makaramanju.”
Nayana adds that though she had to brave many a storm initially, today she is a confident young women when it comes to films. “I can handle everything male assistants normally do, and even more. I think actresses are more comfortable around female assistants.”
Three years and 25 films old, Sameera Saneesh may be the most sought-after costume designer in the industry now. “After completing my fashion designing course, I did a number of ad films. My first film Daddy Cool was more of an accident. I had apprehensions about the industry and was also a little tense, as the film featured M-Town biggies like Mammootty,” she says.
She adds that though very few women work in the industry as costume designers, her ride so far has been trouble-free. “Each film is a learning experience for me. Though I was uncertain when I stepped into films, now I feel completely at home in the industry. I enjoy my work and want to go ahead with it,” she says.
Producing may sound the unlikeliest career option for a young girl, but 22-year-old Athulya Ashok says she didn’t think twice before taking the plunge. Producer of Entry, starring Renjini Haridas and Bhagath Manuel, she is all confident when quizzed about her interest in the risky business. “I was a total movie buff from childhood. Entering the industry was a natural progression for me,” she says. She confirms that being a woman no way affects her role on sets. “I am the producer and the people on set treat me as one. It’s a highly demanding job as I am supposed to take care of so many things. But I take it as a challenge and I believe I’m good at what I do,” she smiles.
