It has been a long time coming, but Jyotika is back in Hindi films. The actor, who began her journey in cinema with a Hindi release in 1998, found success in Tamil cinema, only sporadically appearing in Hindi films. In 2024, she returned to Bollywood after over 25 years, and now, she is very prolific there, looking at her third Hindi film release in two years. The actor will soon be seen in System, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s legal drama, which also stars Sonakshi Sinha. Ahead of the film’s release, Jyotika speaks with Hindustan Times about the film, her role, and the experience of working on set with Ashwini.
Jyotika on working with Ashwini Iyer Tiwari
System marks the first collaboration between Jyotika, Sonakshi, and Ashwiny. The veteran actor says the experience of working with a female director is ‘always comfortable’. “She listened to us, probably a little more than a male director would on a set,” she quips, with a smile.
“There is more of a connection with your own gender. Your process of thinking connects more, rather,” she says. “I also feel a lot of intimate scenes were shot respectfully. She shot the way she would want to see them and the way we would want ourselves seen on screen.”
Sonakshi hails Ashwini’s approach
Her co-star, Sonakshi, agrees. The actor adds, “Only a woman understands another woman in a way that is real. I have always had a great experience working with women directors. I prefer it. They approach everything with a different sensibility, sensitivity, and vulnerability. That is very important in bringing out such characters that are flawed, real, and human.”
Jyotika on her character in System
System is a legal drama that sees Jyotika play a court stenographer with limited means, who helps a young public prosecutor (played by Sonakshi). Talking about what drew her to the character, she says, “There are few such characters written today. One of the reasons I was attracted to the character is that she expresses her emotions through her eyes. There are fewer dialogues, but there’s a lot to be said.”
System also stars Ashutosh Gowariker as a top defence lawyer, who happens to be Sonakshi’s character’s father. The film, directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and produced by Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Smitha Baliga, will release on Amazon Prime Video on May 22.