We would like to cheer on the continued success of female-centered films in Bollywood.

We present to you a selected list of Bollywood films that left an indelible mark on the audience, thanks to the convincing portrayals of talented actresses.

release date: Thursday, March 7, 2024 13:20 PM GMT-07:00

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect time to take a look back at the world of cinema and recognize the powerful performances from female-centric films in Bollywood. Over the years, the industry has seen a remarkable shift in which women have taken center stage and performed with strength, resilience and authenticity. We present to you a selected list of Bollywood films that left an indelible mark on the audience, thanks to the convincing portrayals of talented actresses.

queen

Vikas Bahl’s Queen is a soul-stirring journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Kangana Ranaut played Rani Mehra, a young woman who goes on a solo honeymoon after her wedding is called off, and was widely praised. The film beautifully captures Rani’s transformation from vulnerability to her independence, making it a groundbreaking female-centric film.

Piku

In Shoojit Sircar’s ‘Piku’, Deepika Padukone brings to life the character of Piku Banerjee, a modern woman juggling career, family and personal life. The film is a heartwarming depiction of a parent-child relationship, and was praised for its nuanced storytelling. Her portrayal of Deepika was not only endearing to her but also a testament to her versatility as an actress.

Mimi

Laxman Utekar’s ‘Mimi’ stars Kriti Sanon in the title role and revolves around surrogacy. Kriti’s convincing performance as Mimi, a young woman caught up in the complexities of surrogacy, adds a new perspective to her female-centric story.

Gangubai Kathiawadi

Gangubai Kathiawadi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, stars Alia Bhatt as Gangubai, a powerful woman who takes care of local sex workers in Kamathipura. Her performance in Aria, where she plays the fierce protagonist, has garnered widespread praise and demonstrates her ability to guide the story with conviction.

Kahaani

Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani is a thriller about Vidya Bagchi, played by Vidya Balan, who searches for her missing husband in Kolkata. Vidya Balan’s intense and mesmerizing performance kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The film showcased Vidya Balan’s talent and showed the potential of women-centric thrillers in Bollywood.

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Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi stars Alia Bhatt as Sehmat Khan, a young Indian woman who marries a Pakistani military officer during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Her courage and patriotism in Sekhmat, played by Alia, garnered critical acclaim. The film’s success highlighted audiences’ desire for stories centered on strong, independent female characters.

English Vinglish

Directed by Gauri Shinde, ‘English Vinglish’ marks the late Sridevi’s triumphant return to the silver screen. The film beautifully captures the journey of Shashi, a middle-class woman who embarks on a quest to learn English. Sridevi’s nuanced acting and her film’s relatable story resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of her self-worth and her personal growth.

story of kerala

‘Kerala Story’ delves into the lives of a group of women from Kerala, with a storyline revolving around their alleged coercion to convert to Islam and join the Islamic State. The story, touted as a true story, veers into controversial territory. Led by Adah Sharma and supported by a talented ensemble cast including Yogita Bihani, Sonia Bharani and Siddhi Idnani, the film brings together a group of accomplished actresses who contribute to the unfolding drama.

Dakudaku

Bollywood has assembled a strong ensemble cast featuring Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Ratna Pathak Shah and Sanjana Sanghi. The film promises to celebrate femininity, uniting these talented actresses in a story that explores the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and the pulse of life.

Which is your favorite among the ones listed?