For a very long time, Bollywood has focused more on producing movies revolving around the male lead whether it be love stories or action thrillers. But whenever the focus shifts to the female lead it creates magic on the silver screen. Recently, there has been a spate of really successful, really interesting women-centric films with fully fleshed-out female characters who have real desires, ambitions, and flaws. Despite the fact that many women-oriented movies produced in Bollywood still fall under the genre of a chick flick, the industry has witnessed many movies demolishing gender bias in terms of representation on-screen. Let’s take a look at the top 10 most impactful women-centric Bollywood movies that left an immense impact on the society and film fraternity.
1. Kahaani: The story of a pregnant woman searching for his husband in the city of Kolkata is that one thriller you need to get off all the tension of your mind. With Vidya Balan in lead and Sujay Gosh handling the direction, the movie delivers one of the most epic climaxes of Bollywood history.
2. Raazi: When it comes to patriotic movies, Bollywood has crossed every level. Another star added to this list when Meghna Gulzar created Raazi displayed that when it comes to love for the country, gender doesn’t matter.
3. Queen: A classic perfectly displaying the true definition of women empowerment is one of the major achievements of the industry, The film tells the story of a young woman, who finds empowerment in building a new future for herself, After being left at the altar, starting with going on her planned honeymoon to Europe... solo.
4. The Dirty Picture: Till now it should be clear that more than Bollywood, Vidya Balan has worked to establish feminism. The movie was appreciated for celebrating female sexuality and portraying the character of an empowered woman who does whatever it takes to make a spot in a male-dominated industry.
5. English Vinglish: The late Bollywood actress gave many classic movies but the place of English Vinglish will be irreplaceable. This movie shows how a middle-class housewife breaks the norms and works to regain her lost confidence by attending English language classes in New York.
6. Thappad: A special thanks should be given to Tappsee Pannu for her acting in this classic movie that portraited the story about domestic abuse. This also talked about the far-reaching and often insidious effects of patriarchy and male entitlement.
7. Margarita with a straw: In this long period, the industry has produced a handful of movies that have dealt with stories of differently-abled people with a nuanced sensitivity. From the desire to making love to same-sex, the makers left no stone unturned to make sure the movie focuses more than just her 'disability.
8. Pink: Smashing the not all men norms, this movie injected the idea of ‘No means No’ in our heads. Although there’s not much to be found in the courtroom drama, it does raise pertinent questions on consent and sexual assault.
9. Gunjan Saxena: It may attract many controversies but to be very honest this story was worth telling. Based on the real-life story of Gunjan Saxena, it simply reminded society that dreams should never be gendered.
10. Neerja: One of the finer biopics to have come out of Bollywood, Neerja was a stark reminder that courage in trying times is not dependent on a person's gender, but rather a person's innate strength and sense of compassion.
