International Women's Day 2024: A shoutout to the Bollywood female-centric films that still leave a mark

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the cinematic landscape and acknowledge the powerful performances that have emanated from Bollywood's female-centric films. Over the years, the industry has witnessed a remarkable shift, with women taking center stage and delivering performances that resonate with strength, resilience, and authenticity. Here's a curated list of Bollywood movies that have left an indelible mark on audiences, thanks to the compelling portrayals by talented actresses.

Queen

Vikas Bahl's "Queen" is a soul-stirring journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Kangana Ranaut's portrayal of Rani Mehra, a young woman who embarks on a solo honeymoon after her wedding gets called off, earned her widespread acclaim. The film beautifully captures Rani's transformation from vulnerability to independence, making it a landmark female-centric film.

Piku

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

Mimi

Laxman Utekar's "Mimi" explores surrogacy with Kriti Sanon in the titular role. Kriti's compelling portrayal of Mimi, a young woman entangled in the complexities of surrogacy, adds a fresh perspective to female-centric narratives.

Gangubai Kathiawadi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Gangubai Kathiawadi" features Alia Bhatt as the formidable Gangubai, a powerful woman in Kamathipura who looks after the area's sex workers. Alia's performance as the fierce protagonist has garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing her ability to lead a narrative with conviction.

Kahaani

Sujoy Ghosh's "Kahaani" is a thriller about Vidya Bagchi, played by Vidya Balan, as she searches for her missing husband in Kolkata. Vidya Balan's intense and captivating performance kept audiences on the edge of their seats. The film marked Vidya Balan's prowess and showcased the potential of female-centric thrillers in Bollywood.

Raazi

Meghna Gulzar's "Raazi" stars Alia Bhatt as Sehmat Khan, a young Indian woman married off to a Pakistani military officer during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Alia's portrayal of Sehmat's courage and patriotism garnered critical acclaim. The film's success highlighted the audience's appetite for narratives centred around strong, independent female characters.

English Vinglish

Gauri Shinde's "English Vinglish" marks the triumphant return of the late Sridevi 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 performance and the film's relatable narrative struck a chord with audiences, emphasizing the significance of self-worth and personal growth.

The Kerala Story

The Kerala Story" delves into the lives of a group of women from Kerala, grappling with a storyline that revolves around their alleged coercion into converting to Islam and joining the Islamic State. The narrative, marketed as a true story, ventures into the contentious territory of the Hindutva conspiracy theory of "love jihad." Led by Adah Sharma and supported by a talented ensemble cast including Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani, the film brings together a group of accomplished actresses who contribute to the unfolding drama. 

Dhak Dhak

Bollywood brings together a powerhouse ensemble cast featuring Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Sanjana Sanghi. The film promises to celebrate womanhood, uniting these talented actresses in a narrative that explores the intricacies of relationships, self-discovery, and the pulse of life.

Which is your favourite amongst the listed ones?