Top Must-Watch Indian Women-Centric Movies

There was a time in Bollywood when discussing a movie, the first question would always be – “Hero kaun hai?” It was because of the norm which goes like – A movie needs a male actor in the lead. But, in this world full of male leads, there are certain women who while playing the main character in Women-Centric movies, created gems. From playing decorative objects in movies to becoming a lady of substance, women have come a long way in Bollywood. Now, they no longer need to be rescued by the hero anymore.

Pre-2010, Women Centric films were a handful and it would generally be considered a risk to take forward a film solely resting it on the shoulders of an actress. But, these days the perception has changed. With movies like Veere Di Wedding, Simran, English Vinglish and TV shows like Four More Shots Please! and Made in Heaven etc Bollywood has started gaining commercial success with actresses at the helm as well. Here’s presenting a list of movies which were carried by our Beautiful Ladies on their so-called “tender” shoulders.

Kahaani (2012)

Starring – Vidya Balan
Director – Sujoy Ghosh
Genre – Thriller

Vidya Balan or rather Vidya Bagchi and Kahaani go hand in hand. It is a spine chilling thriller with unexpected twists and turns that you definitely won’t see coming. While in the theater, throughout the movie I wondered why is the character pregnant as she could be stronger without it. My mindset completely changed towards the very end. This film has it all – a brilliant script and a screenplay that runs along at a pace which will keep you glued to the screen. With strong acting by Vidya Balan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kahaani is a must-watch film.

Queen (2013)

Starring – Kangana Ranaut
Director – Vikas Bahl
Genre – Comedy / Drama

Queen is a beautiful story of a young girl Rani, played by Kangana Ranaut. It’s heartbreaking when Vijay (Rajkummar Rao), just a day before the wedding breaks the news to Rani that he is not interested in marrying her anymore and from here begins the beautiful saga where Rani goes to Europe alone on her honeymoon. Over the tour, Rani gains confidence and gets a complete makeover.

Damini (1993)

Starring – Meenakshi Sheshadri, Sunny Deol
Director – Rajkumar Santoshi
Genre – Crime / Drama

Damini is a crime thriller which is the story of a strong woman – Damini (Meenakshi Sheshadri) who is married into a wealthy family. She catches her brother-in-law physically abusing the maid and fights him off. However, the family opposes her actions and make her leave the house. She is helped by an alcoholic ex-advocate played by Sunny Deol in her fight to gain justice for her maid. This tale about a courageous young lady is molded beautifully.

Neerja

Starring – Sonam Kapoor
Director – Ram Madhvani
Genre – Biopic

Starring Sonam Kapoor in the lead role, Neerja, directed by Ram Madhvani recounts the real-life story of Neerja Bhanot, the head purser of the Pan Am 73 airline which was hijacked by five Palestinian terrorists in Karachi, Pakistan on September 5, 1986. The movie itself is a heartwarming tribute to one of the most beautiful and inspirational woman that we should all cherish, respect and be grateful. This is one of the finest biographical dramas  to date and everyone involved in the movie should be commended for introducing us to a strong and a stimulating persona.

Mother India (1957)

Starring – Nargis, Sunil Dutt
Director – Mehboob Khan
Genre – Epic / Drama

Mother India is a classic film coming from the early years of Indian Cinema. It was a path-breaking film of its era and is also considered to be one of Nargis Dutt’s most impressive and iconic performance. Mother India showcases India after independence and portrays the story of a poverty-stricken woman who in the absence of her husband survives against cunning money-lender and her efforts to raise her sons. It is an epic melodrama where the lead kills her immoral son and is one of the top women-oriented movies of its time. Fighting all adversity, she sets an example for the powerful Indian woman.

Bandit Queen (1994)

Starring – Seema Biswas
Director – Shekhar Kapur
Genre – Biopic

Based on the life of Phoolan Devi, a feared woman dacoit, Bandit Queen is one of the best films to have ever graced the silver screen. It received an overwhelmingly positive response at several film festivals. However, it was not happily accepted by the Censor Board of India for use of unrefined language, sexual content, and nudity. It depicted the pain and struggle of Phoolan Devi, but the rape scene and the nude scenes by the lead actress Seema Biswas were not approved and even the lady herself (Phoolan Devi) had an issue with the release of the film. Despite all the backlash, it went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

What did you think of the list? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Aditi Parikh

Senior Associate Writer at Just for Movie Freaks

Aditi is yet another artist stuck in the body of an IT professional. Books, dark humor and twisted stories. Her life revolves around it, and some might even say that she's blunt, and even agree that she is the fakest real person they have ever met. She is loving and exploring the unexplored side of cinema and hopes that people will watch through her eyes.

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