MUMBAI — The documentary "Cool Ladies Club," co-directed by 10 working-class women from Mumbai, premiered in spring 2026 at the Regal Theater in Mumbai. The filmmakers recorded the documentary using smartphones.

Approximately 1,200 people attended the premiere. Filmmaker Shilpi Gulati instructed the co-directors in the fundamentals of filmmaking, covering aspects from lighting to composition. Gulati stated, "It was a wild experiment. I put together a lesson plan so the women could learn the basics of filmmaking, from lighting to composition. We met every Saturday from about 1:30 to 6:30 p.m."

The project originated in 2024 from an initiative by Supriya Jan, who serves as the executive producer for the documentary. Jan works for CORO India, a nonprofit organization that provides leadership training to marginalized women. Initially, Jan intended for the project to focus on a campaign advocating for safe, clean, and free public toilets.

The 10 women filmed the documentary in pairs, utilizing five smartphones for production. Principal photography lasted six months, and the editing process took 18 months, resulting in a final runtime of 70 minutes. The co-directors expanded the project from a short film about sanitation to a broader documentary about their daily lives.

Darshana Mayekar, a toilet operator, said, "For 20 years, I have been busy raising a family and working. While making the film, I was able to live a little for myself. I am 50, but I feel 20." Rehana Shaikh, a home caregiver, stated, "Growing up, I was not allowed to step out of the house even for dance classes." Shaikh added, "My husband said no. He didn't want me on screen." She continued, "I convinced him by saying I will only be behind the camera." Shaikh also recalled, "The other women encouraged me, saying 'don't hide your passion.'"

The co-directors, Shilpi Gulati, and CORO India share joint copyright of the film. Each of the 10 co-directors received a payment of $262 for their work. Future revenue generated from ticket sales and distribution will be divided among the copyright holders. The documentary will be submitted to film festivals in summer 2026.