Ladies Only(2021)
The local train is a sight to behold in the morning, overloaded with crowds fighting to get inside. A special compartment reserved for women appears as a temporary oasis – a haven for solitude and contemplation. Director Rebana Liz John questions the women, who reveal what it means to keep ambitions alive within an oppressive patriarchal system. Black and white imagery evocatively captures the details of the women’s experience in this world. They reflect on their lives, across generations, with humour, disappointment and defiance, forming a complex tapestry whose common ground is endurance and survival.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- MUBI
- Theatrical Release
- 9 October 2021
- Director
- Rebana Liz John
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 19m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
This documentary follows women in Mumbai as they ride a special women-only train compartment. They talk about their lives and ambitions while dealing with a society that often holds them back. Using black and white footage, the film shows their shared experiences of endurance, humor, and defiance.
“A train car where women's dreams find their voice.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film was shot entirely on Mumbai's local trains, using only natural light to capture its black and white visuals.
- Director Rebana Liz John spent over two years traveling in the women's compartment to earn the trust of her subjects.
- It was funded partly through grants from film festivals and cultural institutions, not major studios.
- The documentary features women from various age groups, including college students and grandmothers.
- Some scenes were filmed with hidden cameras to capture candid moments without disrupting the environment.
- The film premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam before its release in India.
- It uses no background music, relying only on train sounds and conversations for its audio.