Top 10 Female-Led Bollywood Movies

Bollywood has served as a mirror for the times and situations the country has experienced for many years. Bollywood’s portrayal of women has come a long way, from being only decorative objects, if not victims or martyrs, to being powerful forces. Bollywood has done an excellent job of depicting how times and cultures are changing, whether it be the dramatic change in the professions that women get exposed to or even the domestic abuse that women have fought against. Today, we look at some of the best women-led Bollywood movies.

1. English Vinglish Click to look into! >> Read More... (2012)

Sridevi’s comeback, English Vinglish, portrays the story of an average housewife, Shashi. She excels at being a homemaker, a wife, and a mother but is mocked and looked down upon by her family because she can’t speak English fluently. Shashi tries to reassert her value by learning the language while visiting the US for her niece's wedding. Gauri Shinde's candid tale is a compelling one.

2. Kahaani Click to look into! >> Read More... (2012)

Another well-known and acclaimed woman-centric thriller, Kahaani, stars Vidya Balan Vidya Balan is an award winning Bollywood actress >> Read More... as Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman who is desperate to solve the mystery behind the death of her husband. Kahaani is a must-watch because Vidya combines vulnerability and tenacity during events. The film honors the strength, power, and bravery of women with an intriguing plot and compelling graphics.

3. Queen Click to look into! >> Read More... (2014)

Rani, played by Kangana Ranaut Kangana Ranaut is known in Bollywood, for her trem >> Read More... , decides to go on her honeymoon by herself when her fiancé calls off their wedding. Hailing from a small town, Rani, is devastated, but she soon chooses to take a stand for herself. She encounters abandonment, heartbreak, and loneliness head-on. On her single trip, she makes new acquaintances, learns about the world and life, and returns altered and prepared to take charge of her life.

4. Pink Pink is an American Songwriter, Singer, and Actres >> Read More... (2016)

The movie responsible for the iconic line ‘’No means No”, Pink, follows three women who get involved in a legal battle with the boys from an influential family when Minal, one of the girls, defends herself after being molested by a politician nephew. The court procedures bring attention to issues like male privilege and the value of consent in relationships, all prevalent issues that society needs to address. Pink is one of the most profound Bollywood movies ever.

5. Lipstick Under My Burkha Click to look into! >> Read More... (2016)

This film follows the personal journeys of four distinct female protagonists as they free themselves from the constraints of patriarchy and social standards. It is a coming-of-age story about their sexualities. While their tales are parallel, they all share the same element: how our culture views women and men differently. It is a brave feminist movie that serves as a mirror of the times we are living in.

6. Margarita With A Straw Click to look into! >> Read More... (2014)

Talking about subjects such as disability and female sexuality, Margarita With A Straw follows Laila, a woman with cerebral palsy, who moves to the US for studies and falls in love in the process. Including same-sex relationships in the plot, this film goes beyond the undeveloped topics of female sexuality and disability in mainstream Indian cinema. Kalki Koechlin Kalki Koechlin is a famous film actress, model and >> Read More... won a National Film Award for her excellent performance.

7. Mardaani Click to look into! >> Read More... (2014)

One of the few female-led action movies of Bollywood, Mardaani, follows Shivani Roy, a policewoman on a mission to eliminate a cartel engaged in child trafficking. Shivani sensitively strikes a balance in her relationships with Pyari, a street child, her coworkers, and her orphaned niece. When Pyari gets kidnapped, Shivani is determined to find the suspects. She battles thugs and cracks the case while overcoming various obstacles. Shivani represents the efforts of other overlooked women in the police force.

8. Tumhari Sulu (2017)

Tumhari Sulu follows Sulu, a homemaker who, after winning a contest, auditions for a night show at a radio station. Soon, she starts working there. Sulu is enterprising and dares to live out the aspirations of other ambitious homemakers. Even after being intelligent and bold, Sulu has to lead two different lives to be who she truly is. Sulu’s personal life takes a setback as her professional life excels, and her overcoming this dilemma makes up for an inspiring story.

9. Mary Kom Click to look into! >> Read More... (2014)

Mary Kom is the true-life story of the eponymous boxer who won India many accolades. Priyanka Chopra Born on 18 July 1982, Priyanka Chopra is an establ >> Read More... beautifully portrays Mary Kom. The movie shows the difficulties Kom has to endure throughout her career, making it unique. Mary overcomes many prejudices as she makes a comeback in the ring after getting married and becoming a mother of two. Despite all odds, Kom maintains her fantastic journey, which makes it an empowering movie.

10. Zubeidaa (2001)

Set in the 1950s, the film follows Zubeidaa, an aspiring actress who is brave and tenacious. She marries a prince and experiences a tumultuous marriage before deciding to break away and take the fallout. Her resistance to compromise exemplifies her rebellious attitude. She decides to make a movie despite her father's warnings against it and starts looking for love when her first marriage falls apart. She is courageous and doesn't compromise her morals.