Sonakshi Sinha on 'System': Women bring sensitivity, openness to filmmaking
Synopsis
Sonakshi Sinha says female directors bring an openness and vulnerability that transforms the creative process on set — and her experience with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on 'System' is the proof. The courtroom drama, her first outing as a lawyer, streams on Prime Video from 22 May.
Key Takeaways
Sonakshi Sinha stars in 'System' , a courtroom drama streaming on Prime Video from 22 May .
She plays Neha , a young lawyer — her first such role — opposite Jyothika as a stenographer.
The film is directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and produced by Pammi Baweja , Harman Baweja , and Smitha Baliga .
Sinha said female directors are 'more open to receiving suggestions' and bring 'sensitivity and vulnerability' to character work.
Ashutosh Gowariker plays Sinha's father in the film.
Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has said that female filmmakers are generally more receptive to creative input and bring a distinct sensitivity to storytelling — remarks she made during promotions of her upcoming streaming film 'System', set to release on 22 May on Prime Video. The courtroom drama marks her first on-screen role as a lawyer.
Sonakshi on Collaboration with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Speaking about her experience working with director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Sinha described the set dynamic as deeply collaborative. 'To be honest, I feel generally women are more open to receiving suggestions, ideas. And they also bring a certain sensitivity and vulnerability to how they see a certain character,' she said.
Sinha noted that the three-way creative exchange between herself, co-star Jyothika, and Tiwari shaped the film's performances. 'I would go to my director and say, ‘Can I play the part like this?’ And she’s always like, ‘Yeah sure, try it. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t work, we’ll do it my way’,' she recalled.
Why Creative Openness Matters on Set
Sinha was candid about what happens when that openness is absent. 'You also bring something to the table. You also want to do it a certain way. But if a person is not open to receiving that, then there’s no point. Then it becomes not enjoyable for anybody,' she said. The remarks reflect a broader conversation in the Hindi film industry about actor agency and director-actor dynamics, particularly as more women step into lead creative roles.
About 'System' — Plot and Cast
'System' is a courtroom drama in which Sonakshi Sinha plays Neha, a determined young lawyer tasked by her father — portrayed by filmmaker-turned-actor Ashutosh Gowariker — to prove herself worthy of a partnership in his law firm. Jyothika plays a stenographer, and the two leads share significant screen time navigating the legal system together.
The film is produced by Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Smitha Baliga, and directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, known for her sensitive, character-driven work in films such as Bareilly Ki Barfi and Panga.
Release Details
'System' drops on Prime Video on 22 May, skipping a theatrical run entirely. It also marks a notable pairing of two established actresses — Sinha and Jyothika — under a female director, a combination that remains relatively rare in mainstream Hindi streaming productions. All eyes will be on whether the film's courtroom narrative resonates with audiences looking for female-led legal dramas on the platform.
Point of View
And 'System' is a test of whether that approach translates to the courtroom genre. The more interesting story here is structural: a female director, two female leads, and a legal drama on a major streaming platform — a combination the Hindi film industry has rarely assembled. If 'System' performs, it will quietly make a case that the format works commercially, not just critically.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'System' and when does it release?
'System' is a courtroom drama streaming on Prime Video from 22 May. It stars Sonakshi Sinha as a young lawyer and Jyothika as a stenographer, directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari.
What role does Sonakshi Sinha play in 'System'?
Sonakshi Sinha plays Neha, a determined young lawyer who must prove herself to her father — played by Ashutosh Gowariker — to earn a partnership in his law firm. It is her first role as a lawyer.
Who directed 'System' and who are the producers?
'System' is directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and produced by Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Smitha Baliga.
What did Sonakshi Sinha say about working with female directors?
Sinha said female directors are generally more open to receiving suggestions and bring sensitivity and vulnerability to how they view characters. She described the collaboration with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and co-star Jyothika on set as a 'very collaborative effort'.
Where can viewers watch 'System'?
'System' will be available to stream on Prime Video from 22 May. It is a direct-to-streaming release with no theatrical run.
