“Women are done waiting for permission” – Maansi Guptey calls out the GAP in today's storytelling

Maansi Sengupta is steadily carving a space for herself as a producer who is guided as much by instinct as by intent. Having begun her journey with acting in mind, she eventually found her calling behind the camera, shaping narratives from their very core. From co producing Punjabi films to launching her own banner Yantra Pictures, Maansi has backed short films like Painful Pride, B For Balloon, Darwaaza, and Aakhri Panna, all of which have found their audience across platforms like MX Player and Hungama Play. With her Marathi venture Colorphool and a slate that spans Hindi films, web series, and more, she is clearly thinking long term.

In this conversation, she opens up about starting young, trusting her creative instincts, building a team, and why storytelling for her is always about something deeper.

Q. You’ve always been inclined towards the creative field and initially came to Mumbai with acting in mind. What led you to step into producing at such a young age?

Creativity has always been at the core of who I am, so coming to Mumbai with acting in mind felt like a natural extension of that. But somewhere along the way, I realised my connection to storytelling was not limited to being in front of the camera. I was equally drawn to what goes on behind it, to how stories are built, shaped, and brought together.

Stepping into production happened quite instinctively. I did not want to confine myself to one form of expression. I wanted to be part of the entire process, from ideation to execution. Producing gave me that space. It allowed me to take ownership of the vision, choose stories that genuinely resonate with me, and bring them to life in a way that feels authentic.

For me, it has never been about choosing one path over another. It is about expanding my creative space and allowing storytelling to flow through different roles.

True balance and representation will take time. But what excites me is that women are no longer waiting for permission. They are creating their own spaces, their own platforms, and telling their own stories.

- Maansi Guptey

Q. Your production house has a very distinctive name. What philosophy or storytelling vision does it represent for you?

Yantra Pictures comes from the idea of sacred geometry. A yantra is something that holds energy, intention, and purpose. For me, storytelling works in a very similar way. Every film carries an energy. It is designed to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and create a connection with the audience.

That is what the name represents for me. Stories that are not just watched, but felt. Stories that stay with you beyond the screen.

Q. As a young producer leading your first project, how did you balance your creative vision with the practical and logistical demands on set?

It was definitely a learning curve. When you are deeply connected to a story, it is easy to get carried away by the creative side. But production constantly grounds you. There are budgets to manage, timelines to stick to, and coordination happening at every level.

For me, the balance came from clarity. I was always clear about the emotional core of the story, and that became my anchor. Even in chaotic situations, that clarity helped me make decisions quickly.

At the same time, I learned the importance of trusting my team. You cannot do everything yourself. Delegation became very important. Once you surround yourself with the right people, you have to let them do what they are good at. That is what keeps the process moving smoothly.

Q. How has stepping into the role of a producer shaped your understanding of storytelling and the filmmaking process?

It has completely expanded my perspective. Earlier, storytelling felt more like a narrative driven process. Now, I see how every single element contributes to that narrative.

As a producer, you start understanding why a scene is written a certain way, how it will translate visually, what it demands practically, and how it will eventually be received by the audience. There are so many layers involved.

It has made me more conscious and more responsible with every choice. You begin to see the bigger picture while still staying connected to the smallest details.

Q. What kind of stories are you most drawn to as a producer today, and what influences your choices creatively?

I am drawn to stories that feel honest and layered. Stories that explore emotions, inner conflicts, and transformation. I find myself connecting deeply with narratives that have a certain depth to them, even if they are set in very simple, everyday worlds.

There is also a strong pull towards stories that carry a subtle spiritual undertone. Not in an overt way, but something that makes you feel, reflect, and question.

My choices are always guided by what moves me internally. If a story stays with me, if it makes me feel something deeply or shifts something within me, that is the kind of story I want to tell. It is never about following trends. It is always about truth.

Q. In an industry that is constantly evolving, what gaps did you feel existed that made you want to create your own content?

One thing I noticed was a certain lack of authenticity in some narratives. There were stories that looked visually appealing but did not feel emotionally truthful.

I wanted to create content that is rooted and honest. Stories that have emotional depth and layers. There is also a need for more nuanced female perspectives. Not just strong characters, but real characters who are complex, flawed, and human.

That was one of the driving forces behind starting my own production house.

Q. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while setting up your production house?

The biggest challenge was managing multiple responsibilities while staying creatively aligned. When you are building something from scratch, you are involved in everything. From financial decisions to team building to execution.

There were moments of uncertainty. You question your choices, you face practical hurdles, and sometimes things do not go as planned. But each of those challenges adds to your clarity.

It tests your patience, but it also builds resilience. Over time, you learn to trust the process and your own instincts a lot more.

Q. Collaboration plays a huge role in filmmaking. How do you choose your team when you are wearing the producer’s hat?

For me, it is as much about energy as it is about talent. Skills are important, but what matters more is whether someone understands the soul of the story.

I look for people who are aligned with the vision. Passion and integrity go a long way. When your team genuinely believes in what you are trying to create, it reflects in the final output.

A film is always a collective effort. When the right people come together with a shared intent, the storytelling naturally elevates.

Q. As a female producer in today’s landscape, do you feel the narrative is shifting in terms of opportunities and representation behind the camera?

The shift has definitely begun, and that is encouraging to see. There are more voices, more perspectives, and more opportunities today than before.

At the same time, there is still a long way to go. True balance and representation will take time. But what excites me is that women are no longer waiting for permission. They are creating their own spaces, their own platforms, and telling their own stories.

That is where real change begins.

Q. Looking ahead, what is the larger vision for your production house? Are there specific genres or formats you are keen to explore?

The larger vision for Yantra Pictures is to create a space where storytelling is not just consumed, but experienced. I want the stories to leave an imprint, something that stays with you even after you have finished watching.

I do not see it as just a production house. For me, it is a creative ecosystem that nurtures stories with depth, intention, and emotional truth.

I am especially drawn to mytho contemporary storytelling, where ancient wisdom, Indian mythology, and spiritual symbolism come together with modern narratives. There is something very powerful about revisiting our roots and presenting them in a way that feels relevant today.

Alongside that, I am also interested in psychological dramas and character driven stories that explore inner conflicts, emotions, and transformation. I strongly believe cinema has the ability to shift perspectives and even heal in its own way.

In terms of formats, I am open to everything. Films, OTT series, short form content, even experimental storytelling. The idea is to let the story decide how it wants to be told, rather than restricting it to a particular medium.

Ultimately, the goal is to build Yantra Pictures into a space known for meaningful cinema. Stories that are rooted in Indian consciousness but resonate globally. Stories that do not just entertain, but stay with you, almost like a quiet awakening.