The concept of making a film a superhit has evolved in Bollywood. At the beginning of the industry, the super hit status of the film was hugely dependent on the story as well as acting, as no sound was available during that period. With the emergence of audio, the process of delivering a superhit movie became comparatively easier, and thus very things including picture quality, cinematography became crucial in catering to the audience interests, playing a significant role in attracting them.
However, despite all these ‘behind the camera’ works, arguably he most important factor in delivering a superhit movie has been the lead actor in the movie. People, while going for a movie, decide on the actor, if he is among the favorites or have a high brand value, and the other things might not be as important as this factor.
Well, this has been the scenario of Bollywood for generations. However this landscape of male dominance in the movies is slightly changing, as women i.e., the actresses have reached the same level in having a high brand value attracting the audience . To be precise, women-led films are winning, and this has given rise to a new era reflecting on the Bollywood heroines.
The Evolution of the Female Protagonists
It might sound like female protagonists taking the Women-Led in the film mght surround them with a role of feminist or similar but in reality they are headlining films with a vast spectrum of characters. Besides, they are not limiting themselves either in traditional type of content, rather are exploring a variety of characters which are exposed in depth, and eventually delivering blockbusters one afted the another.
This has been evident over the recent years, when recent years where Bollywood has produced several superhits with heroines as the face of the movie and besides being box office hits, they are critically appreciated too.
Gangubai Kathiawadi Women-Led
First in this list of the prominent examples of how women-led films are ruling the Bollywood industry, that too in recent times, is Gangubai Kathiawadi. We all are aware of the fact that Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed films, mdae with huge grandeur generally not disappoint the box office, and this film is not an exception, either.
Starring Alia bhatt as the female protagonist, the film dwells around the fact that a young woman has been forced into prostitution, however, despite all the struggles, she rises and becomes a powerful brothel madam as well as an advocate for sex workers’ rights, in the Kamathipura region of Mumbai. The film is primarily based on the Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film reflects on the transformation of the young woman from a victim to a leader amidst the scenes of patriarchal oppression.
Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway
Another film, surrounding a unique story and also highlighting the rise of women centric themes comes in the likes of – Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway . The movie features veteran actress Rani Mukherjee in the mian role as Debika Chatterjee, who has portrayed the role of an Indian mother living in Norway .
The film is based on real life misunderstandings, where Debika engages in an emotional and legan crusade when the child welfare authorities take her children away. Rani Mukherji has amazingly portrayed the role of a mother’s heartache being awayfrom her children as well as grit but there is also much light given to her determination to get them back, and fight against the system.
Laapataa Ladies
Another outstanding example of women led films, in this era of Bollywood is – Laapataa Ladies . The Kiran Rao directed movie circles around a couple of newly wed brides, played by Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta respectively, and we see they have accidentally swapped identities and then went misisng on a train journey in rural India.
The film provides a feeling of a mix of satire as well as how authenticity is prevalent in the rural areas but also engaged with the theme, where women fight for their identity and autonomy, that too on a conservative scenario.
Crew
All of these movies have the women centric theme, a unique way of storytelling and also the breathtaking performances of the actressess, but what makes Crew different from the other movies in this list, it its masala. Featuring iconic actressing like Tabu, Kareena Kapoor as well as Kriti Sanon these women work on an airline crew, and reflects aspects of – comedy, drama, freindship, ambition, rebellion, and not to mention, there are heist elements too.
Each actress brings a unique flavor to the film – Tabu’s sensible, Kareena’s lavish, and Kriti’s balanced approach creates a compelling dynamic. The film is a beautiful reflection of the urge to be succesful, and despite the numerous struggles the ladis had in their life, they see the light of success after a daring heist.
Mardani
Well, Rani Mukherji knocks in again with a role of lady police officer this time. With her charactr in the movie as Shivani Shivaji Roy she is on a mission to a whole network engaged in child trafficking. This particular film simply redefined the way how a female action hero should look in the Hindi film industry who with all her brilliance effective highlighted gritty and executed a high-stakes role which are traditional mens’ cup of tea.
To mkae the movie as well as her role realistic, Rani Mukherjee even trained in Krav Maga, becoming efficiency in self defense and underscored intelligence, moral conviction, and resilience.
Queen
Kangana Ranaut shines in Queen, a groundbreaking women-led film that has cemented its place as one of Bollywood’s most successful and iconic movies. As the name suggested, the name of the character of the female protagonist hereis Rani, who is a sheltered Delhiite and has come up on a solo honeymoon to Europe after her fiancé jilts her.
The film has uniquely portrayed how joyful it feels to explore idependence on your own and well as feelings of self-growth and self love. Besides, Kangana’s performnce in the movie has been highly praised too. Cracking humorous and raw jokes are a part of her personality and her lovable nature also aids her in connecting with new people discovering a variety of passions, and she eventually reclaims her identity.
Kahaani
Talking about women centric movies, and not mentioning Kahaani would certainly be a crime. Infamous director, Sujoy Ghosh took the job of sending the movie to a whole new level with Vidya Balan playing the protagonist. Vidya Bagchi, is her character name in the movie who is a pregnant woman, and has come to Kolkata in search of her missing husband .
Vidya Balan justified her role in the film in a whole hearted way, where she despite of being pregnant, played the detective and her pregnancy is even an amplification of her strength and cunnignness. The movie illustrates how an intellect and the emotional insight of a woman drives a high-stakes narrative.
Thappad
Last but not the least, comes a hugely acclaimed movie, featuring Tapsee Paanu, Thappad. The surrounds a story where a person slaps his wife at a social gathering as the movie reflects on examining the aspects of respect, consent and dignity in marriage. Tapsee as Amrita in the movie highlights emotional labor, and has gradually unravelled respect.
The narrative of the film disrups people who normlize having violence and silence in relationships and the movie has eventually been a stage of feminine introspection and also puts light on a statement asking – when is enough truly enough?
These films mark a powerful shift in Bollywood, where women are no longer just supporting characters but lead stories of strength, identity, and resistance. Through diverse genres and voices, they redefine female representation—proving that women-led cinema isn’t just necessary, it’s thriving and reshaping the industry’s narrative landscape.
Leave a Comment