Agree to it or not but the fact that the Bollywood film fraternity has been a male-dominated industry for nearly a century can't be denied . From direction to backstage work, maximum part of movie production is done by men. However, in the past few decades, there has been a steady rise in women getting behind the camera. The brilliant women directors are working hard to smash the domination of their male counterparts . With a whole new generation entering the industry, women are taking on the entire socio-cultural structure of the country, the future of film in India is exciting and ridden with possibilities. Here is the list of top 10 astonishing movies directed by women that suggests they are the best directors:
1. Talwar (Meghna Gulzar): In the Bollywood film fraternity it is rarely seen that any filmmaker takes such a controversial case that shook the nation to exhibit on screen. Hats off to Meghna Gulzar who weaved this movie so well that it gave the taste of the pain that the Talwar family went through.
2. Fire (Deepa Mehta): Fire challenged so many social norms that it eventually got banned in the country. It takes a woman to tell the emotion of another woman. Deepa Mehta did the courage to portray female sexuality that was prohibited on the screen. Deepa Mehta’s Fire, as well as the whole Elements Trilogy, is a must-watch for all those who are true fans of Indian Cinema.
3. Dhobi Ghat (Kiran Rao): We all are known to the craft of Kiran Rao and her craft shined brighter with this movie. Dhobi Ghat brings together the issues of art, poverty, gender, classism, and love in an aesthetically pleasing yet powerful manner.
4. Gully Boy (Zoya Akhtar): The story of an underdog who not just changed his life but also elevated the life of being around him was truly inspirational. However, the movie is a lot more than that — it is one of the most splendidly crafted and truly hard-hitting commentaries on class disparities in India.
5. Margarita with a straw (Shonali Bose): This is an underrated masterpiece that tackles subjects with cheer and good humor. Not only do we talk about alternative sexuality, but we also talk about disabilities, family, adolescence, and so much more. This coming-of-age story is one that will keep you hooked on with tears in your eyes.
6. Dear Zindagi (Gauri Shinde): The way Gauri Shinde turned the story of heartbreak into a route to a happy life was truly commendable. this Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt starrer is subtle yet powerful in its portrayal of mental health.
7. Peepli Live (Anusha Rizvi): This wonderful movie is often not given the credit it deserves. Satirical comedy at its best, this movie will have you laughing and crying at the same time. It has become even more important in recent times as it tackles the case of farmer suicides and the way it is politicized and monetized for those who are mere watchers.
8. The Namesake (Mira Nair): Based on the novel of Jhumpa Lahiri, the movie was much in the English language. The movie is in them because of the work done by Nair to exhibit the experience of immigrants.
9. A death in Gunj (Konkona Sen Sharma): A brilliant whodunnit with a motley cast of amazing actors, great locales, and a gripping story, this movie is one of the best in the business. This is a layered and complex movie but it seems smooth and easy to watch. Watching it is like taking a dip in nostalgia for something you didn’t even know you missed.
10. Lipstick under my Burkha (Alankrita Shrivastava): The screen where the sexuality of women was prohibited how you can expect a movie talking about the desires of women but Lipstick under my Burkha proved us wrong and showcased the struggle of 4 ordinary women in their quest for freedom in a deeply patriarchal society.
