Who runs the world? GIRLS. And this is what some Bollywood movies say out loud. The Bollywood industry is known for its classic, action, and romantic stories. But over the years, the industry has taken a big turn. Looking at success, females have achieved. The Industry has churned out a number of female-centric movies with full-fleshed female superstars who have the ambition to change the world, desire to accomplish more, and flaws to flaunt. These movies made the lead step of her Abla Nari zone and made them a woman of substance and strength who stands for her rights. This International Women’s Day, we bring you a list of the top 10 women-centric Bollywood movies that left an indelible mark on the heart of the audience:
1. Gangubai Kathiawadi: Set in the red light district of Mumbai, Gangubai Kathiawadi gave a new face of women's power to the industry. Based on the chapter from S. Hussain Zaidi’s book with Jane Borges, Mafia Queens of Mumbai, Gangubai is far more realistic and artistic than the contemporary Bollywood movies. Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali the movie features Alia Bhatt in lead and Ajay Devgan, Vijay Raaz, and Shantanu Maheshwari portraying pivotal roles.
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2. Thalaivii: Based on the real-life story of former Tamil Nadu chief minister and Tollywood superstar, J. Jayalalithaa, Thalaivii captures Kangana Ranaut playing the lead role. The movies give you a look at the troughs and crests of the late actor and how came out to be one of the most influential politicians.
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3. Mary Kom: The movie is the portrayal of the life of Indian gold medalist, Mary Kom. Capturing Priyanka Chopra playing the lead, the movie is a look at her life how she went from fighting her parents to fighting some of the most dangerous fighters in the world. While the movie was criticized for Priyanka’s accent, it can’t be denied that it’s an empowering story.
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4. Mother India: One of the initial women-centric movies of the industry, Mother India changed the view of the audience at the giving mother when she killed her own son after he decided to take the wrong side. The movie is considered to be one of the most iconic performances of Nargis Dutt.
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5. Fire: Long before, the topic of LGBTQ+ was influential and the mainstream was shedding more light on the topic, fire talked about same-sex relationships. Starring Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das in lead failed to get the censorship approval from the sensor body.
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6. Dangal: Easily one of the best sports-centric movies of the industry, Dangal is the portrayal of the life of the Phogat sisters who clinched the first gold for the country in the Olympics. Not just the movie showed how women rose from a small village of Haryana but also gave a chance to four fresh female artists to shine.
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7. Mirch Masala: Mirch Masala, directed by Ketan Mehta tells the story of an ordinary village woman, Sonbai played by Smitha Patil who chooses to say no to powerful authority, the subedar played by Naseeruddin Shah, in order to save herself from his evil eyes. Deepti Naval’s character is that of the wife of the Village Mukhiya who revolts against her husband for his atrocities against her will to educate their daughter.
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8. Rashmi Rocket: Saying that Tappsee Pannu has become the poster girl of the Bollywood industry’s women-centric movie will not be an understatement. In Rashmi Rocket, Pannu plays the role of an ordinary village girl who undergoes extraordinary transformation to become an ace sprinter.
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9. Sherni: Directed by Amit Masurkar (of Newton fame), the movie dwells on man-animal conflict. Balan plays the role of a forest officer who chalks out a plan to deal with the situation. In an interview to Mumbai Mirror, Balan said, ““I loved Newton and when Amit narrated Sherni to me, I knew I wanted to do this film. The uniqueness of the story and its world appealed to me.”
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10. Bandit Queen: The movie is a biography based on an Indian dacoit, Phoolan Devi’s life and portrayed by Seema Biswas who was sent to prison in 1983. She was prosecuted by the Indian police and turned into a legend by the people. It’s the story of a woman who fights all the mayhem done to her by the men, from the police to the goons. Ultimately she overpowers them all and comes to fore as a strong woman.
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