The O Womaniya! 2023 report seeks to build on the data-driven analysis of last year’s
research,
mapping year on year trends in the substantive representation of women on screen, as well as
behind it – as directors, writers, producers, and decision-makers.
By exploring these dimensions, we aim to identify the gaps, challenges, and opportunities
for
creating a more gender-balanced and inclusive industry.
Head of Originals, India & Southeast Asia |
Prime Video
In 2023, the women of India made their mark at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, with over
44% of medals earned by women athletes. 100 rocket-women spearheaded key Chandrayaan-3
systems, leading not only India but global space programs into uncharted terrain of the
Moon’s southern hemisphere. India even passed a law to reserve seats for women
legislators. Unfortunately, the same enviable track record of women inching towards
parity doesn’t hold true for women in Media and Entertainment.
The third edition of 'O Womaniya,' a report by Ormax Media & Film Companion, is a
definitive report on female representation in Indian entertainment. The stark findings
are a clarion call to professionals in the industry to take stock of the glaring gender
disparities still prevalent within the Indian entertainment industry. Entangled in
gender imbalances and skewed ratios between men and women, this year’s report highlights
a further divide within the media ecosystems where certain segments are good on the
promise of balancing the scales, whereas others are trailing further behind.
In a highly diverse and multicultural country with a rich tapestry of languages,
religions, traditions, and cultures, isn’t it only fair to expect that our entertainment
mirrors this diversity? However, the hard truth is that a substantial disparity exists
in this sphere. The limited presence of women directing theatrical releases furthers the
risk of perpetuating traditional stereotypes and denies the female perspective the
attention it deserves. Empowering women in these positions isn't just about achieving
gender equality; it's about enriching the world of entertainment, promoting lasting
change, and fostering a more inclusive and representative future for all.
The recent drive towards female-forward narratives, often led by streaming platforms,
has played a transformative role. It challenges preconceived notions, such as the belief
that female-led narratives don't captivate audiences or that women cannot helm projects.
In fact, the women-led projects encompass a broad spectrum of diversity and viability,
extending far beyond just women, with nuanced aspects that can make them commercially
successful. This shift rewrites the narrative of women's contributions in both reel and
real life.
However, there remains a glimmer of hope! I am truly excited to share that for the
first-time ever, multiple actors, writers, creators, industry bodies and important
stakeholders across the media and entertainment sector, have collectively come together
to pledge change, as we share the findings of this edition of the O Womaniya! report.
This remarkable unity within the industry represents a pivotal milestone in the
evolution of India's entertainment landscape towards a more diverse and inclusive
environment. With these pledges, each individual, entity and guild, has promised to
prioritize female representation in their respective fields – an important step towards
defining actionable objectives that will go a long way in delivering meaningful,
measurable outcomes.
This initiative promises to stimulate deeper, more meaningful conversations around
improving female representation in Indian entertainment. We, at Prime Video India, are
honoured to support Ormax Media and Film Companion in their commitment to highlighting
the pressing importance of achieving equity in on-screen representation through the
third edition of the 'O Womaniya!' report. Together, we are taking significant strides
toward a more inclusive and representative future for the world of entertainment.
K.G.F: Chapter 2
RRR
Kantara
Ponniyin Selvan - PSI
Vikram
Beast
Brahmāstra
Drishyam 2
The Kashmir Files
Sarkaru Vaari Paata
Valimai
Don
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
Bheemla Nayak
Thiruchitrambalam
Karthikeya 2
God Father
Love Today
Gangubai Kathiawadi
F3
Radhe Shyam
James
Vikrant Rona
777 Charlie
Sardar
Sita Ramam
Bimbisara
Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu
Ved
Viruman
Etharkkum Thunindhavan
Bangarraju
Dhamaka
Major
Acharya
Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kadhal
Malikappuram
Liger
Vikram Vedha
JugJugg Jeeyo
Ram Setu
Naane Varuven
Cobra
The Warriorr
Prince
Bheeshma Parvam
Samrat Prithviraj
Bhediya
Laal Singh Chaddha
Hridayam
Thallumaala
Saunkan Saunkne
Ante Sundaraniki
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey
Jana Gana Mana
Kaduva
Hit: The 2nd Case
Shamshera
DJ Tillu
Dharmaveer
Pawankhind
Projapati
One Cut Two Cut
Bro Daddy
Salute
12th Man
Puzhu
Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee
Taanakkaran
Maaran
O2
Mahaan
Ammu
Butterfly
Cuttputlli
A Thursday
Govinda Naam Mera
Gehraiyaan
Freddy
Kaun Pravin Tambe?
Babli Bouncer
Good Luck Jerry
Jalsa
Maja Ma
Sharmaji Namkeen
Darlings
Jogi
Dasvi
Monica, O My Darling
Forensic
Plan A Plan B
Thar
Love Hostel
Jaadugar
Qala
Family Pack
Achcham Madam Naanam Payirppu
Oh My Dog
Saani Kaayidham
Chinni
Man of the Match
Karagar
Rudra: The Edge Of Darkness
Aashram S3
Panchayat S2
The Great Indian Murder
Criminal Justice: Adhura Sach
Breathe Into The Shadows S2
Dahan: Raakan Ka Rahasya
Hostel Daze S3
Human
Four More Shots Please! S3
Bhaukaal S2
Karm Yuddh
Campus Diaries
Shiksha Mandal
Masoom
Escaype Live
Shoorveer
Modern Love Mumbai
Home Shanti
Ghar Waapsi
Delhi Crime S2
Guilty Minds
Crash Course
Flames S3
Dharavi Bank
Maharani S2
Hush Hush
Mind The Malhotras S2
Rocket Boys
Mismatched S2
College Romance S3
Gullak S3
Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein
The Fame Game
Jamtara S2
Tanaav
Pitchers S2
Dr. Arora
Saas Bahu Achaar Pvt. Ltd.
Tripling S3
Khakee: The Bihar Chapter
Mai
Physics Wallah
Humble Politiciann Nograj
B.E. Rojgaar
Suzhal - The Vortex
Anantham
Vadhandhi: The Fable of Velonie
Meme Boys
Tamil Rockerz
Modern Love Hyderabad
Meet Cute
9 Hours
Parampara S2
Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa (AOS)
The impact of gender representation behind the camera extends far beyond the industry
itself. It
influences the stories that are told, the narratives that shape our culture, and the
aspirations
of future generations. When women are empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and
talents, we witness the emergence of more diverse and authentic storytelling, offering
audiences
a richer and more nuanced experience.
To map the progression of female representation in creative decision-making roles, we looked
at
the number of women in key Head of Department (HOD) positions across our selected 156
properties
in 2022 vis-à-vis 2021.
female representation
across HOD positions
Minimal growth from 10%
to 12% in 2022 vs 2021.
780 POSITIONS ACROSS 156 PROPERTIES
COMMISSIONING IN-CHARGE
On the plus side, 31% of properties now have had a female
commissioning in-charge, compared
to 25% last year
BY HOD POSITIONS
Across streaming
and theatrical, incremental increases of no more than 3% were seen in Editing,
Cinematography, and Directing.
Production Design representation decreased by 1%.
Writing saw no change between
2021 and 2022.
BY FORMAT/ DISTRIBUTION
Female HOD representation in streaming films and series saw an increase by 4 and 1
percentage points respectively.
Theatrical films remained stagnant
at 3%.
As a result, the gap between Theatrical and Streaming has widened this year.
BY LANGUAGE
The share of female HODs in Hindi content has remained stagnant at 17%.
While other languages have shown some positive movement from near-zero levels, Hindi remains
the only language with double-digit female HOD representation.
Across streaming and theatrical, incremental increases of no more than
3% were seen in Editing, Cinematography, and Directing.
Production Design representation
decreased by 1%.
Writing saw no change between 2021 and 2022.
All 156 properties were evaluated on the Bechdel Test, which is an Internationally-accepted
measure of female representation in cinema.
In order to pass the test, a film must have at least one scene where two named women are
talking to each other about something other than a man.
For streaming series, given their longer runtime, the criterion was modified to ‘at least
three scenes’.
The portrayal of womens’ lives became less complex, independent, and varied. Gender stereotypes were likely reinforced. Diversity in content suffered.
ACROSS 156 PROPERTIES
COMMISSIONING IN-CHARGE
While properties led by female commissioning in-charges
show a higher Bechdel Test pass
rate, both segments have
experienced a notable decline in 2022.
BY FORMAT/ DISTRIBUTION
12% fewer theatrical films and 6% fewer streaming films passed the Bechdel test in 2022 vs.
2021.
Only streaming series held their position at 55%. As a result, the gap between Theatrical
and Streaming categories has further widened this year, on this parameter too.
the best performers
pledges taken by the industry
Actor & Producer
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my production projects.”
Director & Producer
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects.”
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Writer, Director & Author
“I pledge to tell women’s stories with a narrative which is unique to them.”
Filmmakers
“We pledge to continue to promote diversity in our projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms and to continue to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the Organisation.”
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Partner, Emmay Entertainment
“I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms and to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Screenwriter
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects and to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Writer, Director & Producer
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects and to continue to include women in writer’s rooms.”
CEO | DHARMA PRODUCTIONS
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity across all our verticals at Dharma Productions & Dharmatic Entertainment.”
Producer | Suresh Productions
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects.”
PARTNER | Emmay Entertainment
“I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms and to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Head of Originals, India & Southeast Asia, Prime Video
“I pledge to include women in writer's room and to work towards atleast 30% women HOD's in all of our productions.”
Creative Director, Applause Entertainment
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects.”
Director & Screenwriter
“I pledge to ensure that my producers comply with the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC in place.”
Director
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects and to include women in writer’s rooms.”
FILMMAKER
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects, to continue collaborating with and supporting intimacy professionals to ensure sets are a safe space for all.”
PARTNER | Emmay Entertainment
“I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms and to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Producer & Executive Director | Annapurna Studios
“We at Annapurna, are the first studio and production house to establish an ICC in the Telugu film industry. We shall continue our endeavor to promote diversity in our productions and include women in writer's rooms. Our environment is constantly evolving to support more women in the workplace.”
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Founder & MD Roy Kapur Films
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms and to continue to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Senior Creative Director, Applause Entertainment
“I pledge to continue to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Partner at Prithviraj Productions
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms and to continue to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the Organisation.”
Producer, Arka Media Works
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects and to continue to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Actor & Producer
"There is a huge section of society that is still very patriarchal, where a male's opinion matters a lot more than a woman's opinion. It's a mentality that I have seen around."
"I reached a point in my film journey where I thought to myself that I need to either change my gender or stop making films - that’s the point it can bring you to when you are constantly made to work twice as hard as any man in the room to be able to put your opinion forward."
If movies are the main course, then trailers are their appetizers – setting viewer expectations
and revealing what producers’ believe will attract audiences. To assess whether women feature in
this imagination of favorable markets, and gauge their visibility in promotional material, we
devised The Trailer Talk Time Test in 2021.
The premise is straightforward: we measure the percentage of speaking time allocated to female
characters compared to their male counterparts in the main trailer of each property. The
comparative analysis between 2021 and 2022 sheds light on the progress, or lack thereof, of
gender representation within these promotional glimpses, revealing important trends in the
Indian entertainment landscape.
trailer talk time test
For every second a woman may speak in a trailer, men speak 2.7 seconds.
ACROSS 156 PROPERTIES
trailer talk time BY THE GENDER
OF THE commissioning in-charge
The difference in Trailer Talk Time
based on the gender of the
commissioning
in-charge is
sizable, at 10 percentage points.
There has been no significant
change in this metric since the
last report.
COMMISSIONING IN-CHARGE
(Male Commissioning In-Charge for 107 Properties,
Female Commissioning In-Charge for 49 Properties)
BY FORMAT/ DISTRIBUTION
Interestingly, streaming films noted the highest increase of 5% in female trailer talk
time, surpassing streaming series to be the best-rated category at 33%.
Like HOD representation and Bechdel Test, the Streaming category remains well ahead of
Theatrical on this metric too.
highest trailer talk time
For O Womaniya! 2023, we invited various artists from different walks of filmmaking for a roundtable. We wanted to get from them concrete suggestions that would spur tangible change to shift the needle for representation of women in film. We also wanted to highlight gender biases they have noticed/experienced around them while breaking into the industry and how they conquered it. Here’s a notable conversation between some of the country’s finest filmmakers, actors, studio heads and writers pouring their hearts out on how we can make cinema more inclusive.
pledges taken by the industry
CEO | DHARMA PRODUCTIONS
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity across all our verticals at Dharma Productions & Dharmatic Entertainment.”
Producer | Suresh Productions
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects.”
PARTNER | Emmay Entertainment
“I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms and to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Head of Originals, India & Southeast Asia, Prime Video
“I pledge to include women in writer's room and to work towards atleast 30% women HOD's in all of our productions.”
Creative Director, Applause Entertainment
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects.”
Director & Screenwriter
“I pledge to ensure that my producers comply with the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC in place.”
Director
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects and to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Actor & Producer
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my production projects.”
Director & Producer
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects.”
Writer, Director & Author
“I pledge to tell women’s stories with a narrative which is unique to them.”
Filmmakers
“We pledge to continue to promote diversity in our projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms and to continue to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the Organisation.”
Partner, Emmay Entertainment
“I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms and to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Screenwriter
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects and to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Writer, Director & Producer
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects and to continue to include women in writer’s rooms.”
FILMMAKER
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects, to continue collaborating with and supporting intimacy professionals to ensure sets are a safe space for all.”
PARTNER | Emmay Entertainment
“I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms and to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Producer & Executive Director | Annapurna Studios
“We at Annapurna, are the first studio and production house to establish an ICC in the Telugu film industry. We shall continue our endeavor to promote diversity in our productions and include women in writer's rooms. Our environment is constantly evolving to support more women in the workplace.”
Founder & MD Roy Kapur Films
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms and to continue to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Senior Creative Director, Applause Entertainment
“I pledge to continue to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Partner at Prithviraj Productions
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms and to continue to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the Organisation.”
Producer, Arka Media Works
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects and to continue to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Writer, Director & Producer
"I'm not inclusive for people because it's a charitable thing to do. I'm inclusive because it makes my work stronger and adds perspective that I may not have."
"I reached a point in my film journey where I thought to myself that I need to either change my gender or stop making films - that’s the point it can bring you to when you are constantly made to work twice as hard as any man in the room to be able to put your opinion forward."
To get a deeper sense of gendered hierarchies in India’s content-creating ecosystem, we analysed
135 Director/ CXO positions across the top 25 Media and Entertainment (M&E) companies.
Gender
representative policies in the entertainment industry have substantive impacts that extend
beyond surface-level diversity. By empowering underrepresented voices and fostering
managerial talent, organisations can shape global cultural narratives around empathy, community,
and equality. In turn, equal opportunities will lead to authentic storytelling that resonates
with audiences, nudging social change, while increasing engagement and loyalty.
female representation
in senior management
With sluggish progress at the top of decision- making bodies, movement along other inclusivity parameters has also suffered – such as women constituting only 12% of all HOD hires in 2022.
ACROSS 25 COMPANIES
ACCESS TO POLICIES IN PUBLIC DOMAIN (WEBSITE/ BLOGS/ ANNUAL REPORTS)
ACROSS 25 COMPANIES
pledges taken by the industry
FILMMAKER
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects, to continue collaborating with and supporting intimacy professionals to ensure sets are a safe space for all.”
PARTNER | Emmay Entertainment
“I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms and to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Producer & Executive Director | Annapurna Studios
“We at Annapurna, are the first studio and production house to establish an ICC in the Telugu film industry. We shall continue our endeavor to promote diversity in our productions and include women in writer's rooms. Our environment is constantly evolving to support more women in the workplace.”
Founder & MD Roy Kapur Films
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms and to continue to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Senior Creative Director, Applause Entertainment
“I pledge to continue to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Partner at Prithviraj Productions
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms and to continue to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the Organisation.”
Producer, Arka Media Works
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects and to continue to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Actor & Producer
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my production projects.”
Director & Producer
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects.”
Writer, Director & Author
“I pledge to tell women’s stories with a narrative which is unique to them.”
Filmmakers
“We pledge to continue to promote diversity in our projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms and to continue to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the Organisation.”
Partner, Emmay Entertainment
“I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms and to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Screenwriter
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects and to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Writer, Director & Producer
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects and to continue to include women in writer’s rooms.”
CEO | DHARMA PRODUCTIONS
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity across all our verticals at Dharma Productions & Dharmatic Entertainment.”
Producer | Suresh Productions
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects.”
PARTNER | Emmay Entertainment
“I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms and to follow the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Head of Originals, India & Southeast Asia, Prime Video
“I pledge to include women in writer's room and to work towards atleast 30% women HOD's in all of our productions.”
Creative Director, Applause Entertainment
“I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my projects.”
Director & Screenwriter
“I pledge to ensure that my producers comply with the Govt. mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC in place.”
Director
“I pledge to promote diversity in my projects and to include women in writer’s rooms.”
Writer, Director & Producer
"I think the most proactive thing that we can do is encourage each department head to hire more female assistants. That is the only way that the next generation will have very competent and trained people."
"I think the most proactive thing that we can do is encourage each department head to hire more female assistants. That is the only way that the next generation will have very competent and trained people."
Independent Consultant - Gender and Women’s Economic Empowerment.
Dear Reader,
Travelling in the hinterland of India earlier this year made me realize there is a new wind blowing – a young generation of women (and men) pushing forward determinedly, shaking the shackles and restraints that bind them, and seizing the day to prove their mettle in the real world running micro-businesses…. They talk animatedly about how their in-laws now consult them on all decisions especially economic and with pride of their young husbands batting for them as they chart their course out of deprivation and inequality…and I wonder if the ‘other India’ (urban, elite, educated, corporate) has caught a whiff of it?
Which brings me to this report…. a year on WHAT is different vis a vis the Indian Entertainment Industry and its performance on gender and diversity? Sadly enough, NO LEAPS and BOUNDS have been made on the gender stakes in the past year. Only inch by inch, step by step change wafting through the boardrooms and ‘behind the scenes’.
I can barely keep my impatience in check, wanting much more than that which emerges in the report. And I catch myself thinking it is not all bad! There is a glimmer of hope in the 2% increase in Women Heads of Department and the 3% increase in senior management. Also, the increase in the share of female HODs from 17% to 22% ‘in content greenlit by women commissioning-in-charge’. Perhaps these women are the vanguard, and year on year they will make room for other women to follow suit. The other piece of good news is, that the streaming films and series (the new kid on the block), are leaving theatricals behind with increases (however minor) in women’s representation. Despite these changes, the content of cinema remains unequivocally gender inequitable with a regression in the properties that passed the Bechdel test!
This report provokes many questions. Why are there no women writers getting past the gatepost? When will women’s stories and narratives get their day in the sun? Perhaps it will get men in board rooms, senior management and commission-in-charge to ask themselves are my criteria inflexible? Am I guilty of inherent male bias? Do I presume women have no good stories to tell or sell? And isn’t it about time entertainment companies bet their money on what women can do on screen and behind the scenes? Or risk getting left behind, as the winds of change march steadily towards a more inclusive world.
This report is the result of the tireless efforts of several teams — from conception to
execution. We would like to acknowledge the contribution of each member of the O Womaniya!
Project.
In time, we hope this study will help move the needle of representation in Indian cinema,
creating meaningful protagonists and inclusive platforms for women long hidden in the
shadows.