Director Joshua Sethuraman: 'Gentlewoman is not a feminist film'

Debutant Joshua Sethuraman, who has helmed Gentlewoman featuring actors Losliya Mariyanesan and Lijomol Jose in the lead roles, is confident as he says, “This is not a feminist film at all. I don’t believe there is something called a feminist film. Feminism is not just for a woman but for everyone. I have taken this film from a male’s perspective, about how a woman is living in a world of men. I have never changed myself to give the perspective.”

Gentlewoman director Joshua Sethuraman interview

Talking further about his debut feature Gentlewoman, Joshua says, “I have not sympathised with a woman’s pain with this film. But I have acknowledged their pain along with the privilege I have as a man. The story is about perspectives, and you will see about the two women, and the difficulties they face because of men in their lives.”

Also read: Losliya Mariyanesan Interview: 'Gentlewoman has pushed my limits as an actor more than three films...' 

In Gentlewoman, Lijomol plays Poorani, a traditional housewife, while Losliya plays an artiste. “Poorani is someone who is within the family setup, while Losliya is not married yet and outside a family setup. The way society or a man sees a married and unmarried woman is what the film is about. It also is how women get seen by other women also,” he adds.

Joshua acknowledges that the industry too is favourable to men, and how it is always the women artistes who have to work their way up to headline a film, namely Nayanthara, Trisha, and Jyotika. But the director mentions, “Just because a Nayanthara or Trisha acts, a film cannot be women centric. A star value is not the determinant. Even I was told by many to go with a star heroine for this film. I believe this is my passion project for me and I have to do what the film needs. If I go to a star, I might have to cater to their market needs as well. I made the film within 19 days, and I know exactly how I want it.”

Also read: Gentlewoman trailer out: Losliya and Lijomol’s lives entwine because of one man’s disappearance 

‘There is zero risk in this project’

Talking business, and how the film industry is also one, Joshua says that the evolution of filmmaking has changed. “Actors get associated with directors for the craft they have, and not the person. We have seen a lot of commercial filmmakers. I want to register my voice first with my debut and that will serve as a calling card for me for the future associations. There is zero risk in this project, and my producer has already earned it.”

As the director talks about the leading ladies, he says that he had decided and approached only Losliya and Lijomol, who also accepted to be part of the project. “I saw Jai Bhim film and she played an oppressed character and never questions back. But in my film, she will and I wanted to see that. Meanwhile, I have known Losliya for some years, and I wanted a strong and independent woman. She is also one who has come all the way from another country to work here in cinema. It set metaphorically as well. Lijomol and Losliya have given equally brilliant performances.”

Concluding the conversation, Joshua understands that his film might not create ripples or impact the world, but will continue to exist and has done a film for his personal conscious.

Gentlewoman is set to release in theatres on March 7.