Actress Sayani Gupta, who plays a pivotal role in Naseeruddin Shah and Tisca Copra-starrer "The Hungry", says women directors treat female characters with "more layers and complexities" than their male counterparts.

Sayani has worked with many female directors like Shonali Bose ("Margarita With a Straw"), Leena Yadav ("Parched"), Nitya Mehra ("Baar Baar Dekho") and Bornila Chatterjee ("The Hungry").

Asked about her opinion on treatment of a female character in a film that is directed by a woman director, Sayani told here: "I think I have worked with more female directors than with their male counterparts. From my observation, yes, women directors treat female characters with more layers and complexities than male film directors. I think a woman understands the psychology of another woman better than a man.

"When it comes to interpretation of a woman in the film, mostly, it is extreme. Either they are a sweet and virginal girl or a vamp. There is nothing in between... the grey elements are missing. But all humans are grey. I think a woman writer and director brings that out in a story or in a film. Then it becomes more layered."

The actress was present here for the Asian Premiere of "The Hungry" at the 19th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star.

Giving an insight into her character Loveleen Ahuja, she said: "In the whole game of power struggle between two business families, she is like the bright sunshine who is untouched by darkness. However, in the course of her journey, she becomes a victim."

Chatterjee is a new film director whose "The Hungry" is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy play "Titus Andronicus".

Asked if she was worried about the outcome of the film, Sayani said: "Bornila is a headstrong, sharp and sorted film director. From the first day of the shooting, she knew what she wanted. So whether it is me, Naseer sir or Tisca and the rest of the cast, we knew we were in good hands. We had a great time shooting."

The film also features Neeraj Kabi, Arjun Gupta, Antonio Aakeel and Suraj Sharma.

It has been shortlisted for the Oxfam Best Film on Gender Equality at the 19th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.