Suriya and Jyotika’s daughter Diya enters cinema as director with Leading Light

Suriya and Jyothika's daughter Diya makes directorial debut

Diya Suriya, the daughter of Tamil film legends Suriya and Jyotika, has made a deliberate and significant foray into the film industry, following in the footsteps of her well-known parents.

However, Diya has decided to leave her mark behind the camera rather than in front of it. The brief documentary-drama Leading Light, her directorial debut, highlights a group of women whose stories are rarely told: Bollywood's female gaffers.

Leading Light, which is produced by the family's own company, 2D Entertainment, examines the lives of women who operate lighting equipment on movie sets behind the scenes. This is a profession that is usually performed by men and is frequently disregarded in popular narratives.

By combining narrative components with documentary realism, Diya elevates their voices and experiences to produce a film that is both intimate and potent.

#LeadingLight The untold stories of Women behind the scenes - A docu-drama that discusses the experiences of Women Gaffers of Bollywood. Screening for the 'Oscar qualifying run' at the Regency Theatre, LA, California

Congratulations, our dearest #DiyaSuriya, on this… pic.twitter.com/84h9OSpz58

— 2D Entertainment (@2D_ENTPVTLTD) September 26, 2025

The movie is showing every day from September 26 to October 2 at the Regency Theatre in Los Angeles, where it is currently enjoying its Oscar Qualifying Run. Critics and viewers have praised the film's original viewpoint and Diya's maturity in her first feature.

The feeling of purpose that underpins Leading Light is what makes it so unique. Diya isn't merely creating a movie; she's using it as a platform to highlight representation, tenacity, and the hard work of women who labour behind the scenes.

Proud parents Suriya and Jyotika have wholeheartedly supported their daughter’s directorial journey. “Under the banner of 2D Entertainment, we are proud to back Leading Light, a docu-drama directed by Diya Suriya that shines on the lives of Bollywood women gaffers,”

Also Read: Jyothika celebrates Suriya's 50th birthday; sea of fans gather outside his home to wish the actor

In a statement, they shared. Their backing demonstrates the family's enduring dedication to making meaningful films as well as their close-knit creative spirit.

Diya Suriya has made a statement with Leading Light, not just a debut. And it's evident that this young director is only getting started as the movie continues to garner attention during its qualifying run.