Darlings to NH10: Eight Bollywood films that feature strong female leads
Although Bollywood still has a long way to go when it comes to gender equality, these films seem to be a step in the right direction.
Strong female characters in Bollywood
For a long time, Bollywood has been dominated by male-driven stories, with the female leads sidelined to more secondary roles. But it seems that the industry is taking steps in the right direction these days, with more and more women-centric stories gaining some much-needed space on the silver screen. One example of it is the recently released film Darlings featuring Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah in lead roles. If you loved the black comedy-drama, here are a few other films featuring strong female leads that should be on your watchlist.
1/7
Bulbull
Bulbbul is a 2020 supernatural thriller written and directed by Anvita Dut. The film features Tripti Dimri in the lead role and Avnash Tiwary, Rahul Bose among others in supporting cast. Set in the backdrop of the Bengal presidency of the 1880s, the film revolves around the life of a child-bride and her journey from innocence to strength. The supernatural drama was released on Netflix and Tripti Dimri bagged much praise soon after the release of the film. Tripti as Bulbbul is daring, courageous and vulnerable at the same time. She plays her part effortlessly and creates the aura of fantasy around her. The film is a must watch to witness the interesting plotline and power packed performance by the leading cast. The movie is currently streaming on Netflix.
2/7
Thappad
The Anubhav Sinha-directed movie features Taapsee Pannu in the lead role. The 2020 film also has Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, and Kumud Mishra in supporting roles. The film is a subtle comment on patriarchy.Taapsee Pannu is flawless with her performance and displays her vulnerability with the most honesty. Though the film did not become a blockbuster hit but gained much appreciation from critics and the audience. It's a social commentary on the submissive nature of women and the unobtrusive behavior of men towards their surroundings. The film is a must-watch for all women and all cinephiles to witness the excellent direction and storytelling by Anubhav Sinha. The movie is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.,
3/7
Raazi
The 2018 released film is a spy action thriller. The film features Alia Bhatt in the lead role who plays the role of an Indian spy and marries a Pakistani army family to gain inside knowledge about security secrets. This was Alia's first performance in an action-thriller but the actor played the part effortlessly. She is naive, emotional yet courageous, and daring all at the same time. The interesting plotline of the film makes it a must-watch that keeps your attention intact and instills in you the feeling of patriotism towards your nation. The Alia Bhatt starrer is now available on Amazon Prime Video.
4/7
English Vinglish
English Vinglish is a 2121 comedy-drama written and directed by Gauri Shinde. The film features late actor Sridevi in the lead role. The film is about Shashi, played by Sridevi, and her struggle when she is not able to speak English. She takes the decision to improve her English, and in the process, gets an insight into the outside world, gains confidence, and becomes an independent woman.The film is a social commentary on life, family, social relationships, and patriarchy. The film is a must watch to relive the memory of Sridevi and witness one of her best works. The film is available on Zee5.
5/7
NH10
NH10 is an action thriller directed by Navdeep Singh. The film marked the production debut of Anushka Sharma and features her in the lead role. The story revolves around the life of Meera and Arun, and their encounter with an honour killing. The couple gets stranded on NH10 and experience some horrifying events. They get the couple in danger and the film portrays the struggle of that on screen.Anushka Sharma is fabulous in the film and her action sequences were much praised by the audience. She is courageous, dangerous and thriving in the film. The film is a perfect example of women's strength and is a commentary on social evils that are prevalent in the country.The fim is a must watch and available on Zee5 and Eros Now.,
6/7
Mardaani
The 2014 action thriller released in 2014 with its sequel releasing in 2019. Both the movies feature Rani Mukerji in lead roles. Rani plays the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy, a policewoman who fights crime and saves the life of innocent citizens by getting them out of the shackles of gruesome criminals. Rani as a policewoman is fabulous on screen and plays her part with complete conviction.The film truly brings out the representation that women need in lead roles and Ran did complete justice to her part. This film is a must watch and is currently available on Amazon Prime Video.
7/7
Queen
The 2013 film featured Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao in lead roles. The Vikas Bhal-directed film is a comedy-drama that focuses on the life of 'Rani'. Rani is a naive devoted girl who gets stood up on her wedding day. She then decides to go on her honeymoon alone. The journey starts from there and the film focuses on her transformation in becoming an independent woman. Kangana Ranaut plays the part with a lot of conviction and Rajkummar Rao is also flawless with the given screen time that he has in the film. Kangana bagged the title of Queen of Bollywood after this film and made a mark for herself with its release. The film is a must-watch being a prime example of women's empowerment in cinema. The movie is available on Netflix.