Bollywood is no longer a place for only men. Women have come a long way in our movies, from being decorative things, if not victims or martyrs, to be a formidable force. Indian actresses have progressed from the abla naari to the woman of substance and strength who battles for her rights, speaks up against injustice, fights for her dignity and self-esteem, and rebels when necessary. Here are the 10 best Indian Female Centric movies that have had a significant impact on society and the industry:
Also read: 10 Most Popular Bollywood Actresses In 2022
1. Raazi
The film is based on Harinder Sikka’s novel ‘Calling Sehmat,’ which tells the narrative of an Indian spy named Sehmat, played by Alia Bhatt. The film is based on the true story of a RAW spy who marries the son of a Pakistani Brigadier. She moves to Pakistan and attempts to obtain information prior to the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Raazi went on to become one of India’s highest-grossing films with a female protagonist.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
2. Kahaani
Vidya Balan plays a pregnant woman who hunts for her absent husband in Kolkata in this Sujoy Ghosh trailer. The film honors women’s strength, power, and courage through a compelling plot.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
3. Mary Kom
This film is based on the life of Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the title character. The film follows her path from a local gym to becoming a national champion. While the film was criticized for Priyanka’s accent, it is undeniably an uplifting story.
Streaming on: Netflix
4. Pink
Pink informed the country that when a woman says ‘no,’ she means it. She cannot be coerced to do anything against her will, regardless of the clothes she wears or the lifestyle she leads. Amitabh Bachchan plays an advocate who fights for the females who are caught up in a court struggle with notorious lads from powerful families.
Streaming on: Hotstar
5. Bandit Queen
This film is based on the renowned female Indian bandit Phoolan Devi, which captivated the world’s imagination. While the film’s principal theme was retribution and oppression of women and inferior castes, it also functioned as a guidepost for analyzing the commercialized motion picture genre in India. Phoolan had been imprisoned for her rebellious acts, and the screening of a film about her sparked questions about the country’s political, legal, and ethical intrigues.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
6. Gunjan Saxena
Janhvi Kapoor plays an Indian Air Force commander and helicopter pilot in the 2020 biographical drama. The Netflix film was praised as an unexpectedly competent and uplifting biopic that told the remarkable story of the first female combat pilot in a totally engaging and exhilarating manner. The film was commended for its attack on the patriarchal attitude.
Streaming on: Netflix
7. Mimi
‘Mimi,’ a comedy-drama starring actor Kriti Sanon, has become one of the highest-rated Indian Female centric movies on IMDB. Much of the film’s success has been ascribed to the film’s lead, Sanon, who has been praised by critics and viewers alike for making a seamless shift from the powerhouse performance of a successful commercial star.
Streaming on: Netflix
8. Thappad
Thappad was a scathing critique of male patriarchy and the normalization of physical abuse in relationships. Taapsee played the role of an ordinary, brave woman who refused to accept her husband’s smack. The video was entertaining and intriguing, and it helped me investigate and question the very relationship between a man and a woman in marriage, as well as gender equality.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
9. English Vinglish
Sridevi plays an ordinary housewife named Shashi Godbole in English Vinglish. It depicts nicely how the housewife, who is great as a homemaker, wife, and mother, is looked down on and mocked by her daughter and husband just because she does not speak perfect English. The film shows her overcoming her flaws.
Streaming on: Zee5
10. Mardaani
Mardaani was well-received critically and commercially since it was hailed for shattering gender stereotypes and presenting a powerful female police officer leading the film. It was well studied, with meetings made up with the Crime Branch of the Mumbai Police. Mukherji’s performance was praised in particular for her ability to play both the gritty police officer and the caring foster mother and family woman.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
11. Gargi
This female-centric movie starring Tollywood’s Sai Pallavi, centres around Sai Pallavi, who goes to tremendous measures to bring her father justice. So far, the film has received a great reception from the audience. This movie should definitely be on your watch list.
Streaming on: Sonyliv
12. Gantumoote
A 16-year-old girl embarks on a life journey in which she battles with self-discovery, the changing world, bullying, academic pressure, and the transcendent adventure of first love.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
13. Naaticharami
Nathicharami is the story of Gowri, whose life is torn between her sexual pleasures and her emotional values. The film depicts the protagonist’s tribulations in a society that believes bodily wants can only be satisfied by marriage. The movie also draws the audience’s attention to the intricacies that women from various walks of life have to experience in order to be accepted in society.
Streaming on: Netflix
14. Mahanati
Mahanati, directed by Keerthy Suresh, is the first Female centric south film to gross over $1 million in the United States. It is a biography on the life of former actress Savithri, one of Tollywood’s most recognisable actresses. This film will discuss her meteoric climb to fame as well as the person she was off-screen.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
15. Queen
Kangna Ranaut played Rani, a small-town Indian girl, in the film “Queen.” As her fiancé dissolves the marriage two days before the wedding, she decides to travel on her honeymoon alone. Her trip to Amsterdam and Paris is the focus of the film.
Streaming on: Voot
So these were some of the best Indian female centric movies. We hope you enjoyed reading this.