Before watching Keerthi Pandian starrer Kannagi, stream these 5 female-led films

Tamil actress Keerthi Pandian’s new social drama film, Kannagi, is gearing up for its theatrical release on December 15. Also featuring Ammu Abhirami, Vidya Pradeep and Shaalin Zoya in key roles, the movie is helmed by debutant director Yashwanth Kishore. It promises to be an intriguing social thriller, revolving around the lives of four women from different walks of life. Kannagi has already created buzz on social media with its interesting trailer and posters.

The movie explores the lives of four women, who are struggling with expectations of society and patriarchal norms. Kannagi probes contemporary problems relating to arranged marriage, live-in relationships, abortion and divorce, making it a socially relevant and thought-provoking narrative.

Female-led films with powerhouse performances often make a compelling watch. Here’s a list of such movies that you must watch online, ahead of Kannagi’s release.

1. Pink (Hindi)

Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar

An Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury film, Pink features Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang, Angad Bedi, Tushar Pandey and Piyush Mishra in the lead. The plot follows Minal and her friends, who after being molested, try to file an FIR against a politician’s nephew. When the subsequent case gets rigged, Deepak, a retired lawyer, helps them to fight the case. The movie was largely appreciated for its screenplay and the female actors’ performances. 

2. Naalu Pennungal (Malayalam)

Streaming on: YouTube

Naalu Pennungal is an anthology film, directed by legendary director Adoor Gopalakrishnan. It narrates the stories of four women from different walks of life. It introduces us to a woman whose husband abandons her, a prostitute, a childless housewife and a spinster. The stories are driven by the common themes of self-respect and self-assertion. The movie features Padmapriya, Geethu Mohandas, Manju Pillai and Nandita Das in lead roles.

3. 5 Sundarikal (Malayalam)

Streaming on: YouTube

Helmed by Shyju Khalid, Sameer Thahir, Amal Neerad, Anwar Rasheed and Aashiq Abu, 5 Sundarikal is an anthology of five short films - Sethulakshmi, Isha, Gauri, Kullante Bharya and Aami. The movie documents unexpected turns in the lives of five women. It was critically acclaimed for its experimental and unique content. The anthology features an ensemble cast that includes Anikha Surendran, Chethan Jayalal, Isha Sharvani, Kavya Madhavan, Reenu Mathews, Asmita Sood, Nivin Pauly, Biju Menon, Dulquer Salmaan and Fahadh Faasil.

4. Magalir Mattum (Tamil)

Streaming on: YouTube

Released in 1994, Magalir Mattum was directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. It features Revathi, Urvashi and Rohini in the lead. The film revolves around working women in a tailoring company and the hardships they go through. The movie was inspired by the 1980 comedy film 9 to 5, directed by Colin Higgins. 

Zachariayude Garbhinikal (Malayalam)

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

Directed by Aneesh Anwar, Zachariayude Garbhinikal is a Malayalam drama film that follows a gynaecologist and five women, who come into his life each with an unconventional/illegitimate pregnancy. The movie features Lal, Rima Kallingal, Geetha, Asha Sharath, Sanusha and Sandra Thomas as the lead characters.

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