Top 10 Bollywood Women-Centric Movies List

This article presents a list of the top 10 women-centric movies in Bollywood. The purpose of this compilation is to highlight films that prioritize female protagonists and their narratives.

By focusing on movies that center around women, this collection aims to provide an overview of the diverse range of stories told within the Indian film industry.

The selection process for this list was based on critical acclaim, box office success, and cultural significance.

Each film included in this ranking showcases strong female characters who challenge societal norms and confront various obstacles. Through their performances, these actresses bring forth complex emotions, empowering messages, and thought-provoking themes.

This article caters to an audience interested in exploring cinema that celebrates women’s agency and seeks to promote gender equality.

Pink" (2016)

‘Pink’ (2016) is a compelling portrayal of gender inequality and societal prejudices faced by women in contemporary Indian society. Directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, the film delves into the deep-rooted biases against women and challenges traditional stereotypes prevalent in Indian cinema.

‘Pink’ stands as a significant example of the rise of women-centric movies in Bollywood, which aim to address social issues and empower female characters. Through its narrative, the film explores the various struggles faced by women, such as victim-blaming and judgmental attitudes prevalent in society.

By highlighting these issues, ‘Pink’ sheds light on the need for change and liberation from societal norms that hinder women’s progress. It serves as an eye-opener for audiences who desire a more inclusive and equal society where women can freely express themselves without fear or prejudice.

Queen" (2013)

‘Queen’ (2013), directed by Vikas Bahl, stands as a remarkable example in the realm of Indian cinema due to its portrayal of an ordinary woman’s transformative journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.

The film explores the journey of Rani, a young woman from Delhi who embarks on her pre-planned honeymoon alone after her fiancé cancels their wedding. Through her solo trip to Paris and Amsterdam, Rani not only discovers new places but also rediscovers herself, gaining confidence and independence along the way.

‘Queen’ challenges societal norms and conventions by showcasing a woman’s ability to thrive on her own terms without relying on others for validation or happiness.

The impact of women empowerment in Bollywood is evident in ‘Queen.’ The film breaks away from traditional gender roles and stereotypes, presenting a narrative that resonates with audiences seeking liberation. By depicting Rani’s transformation from a timid girl into a strong-willed individual who embraces her own identity, ‘Queen’ sends a powerful message about female agency and the importance of self-belief.

This exploration of women empowerment contributes to the growing movement within Bollywood to present more diverse and nuanced portrayals of women characters.

Overall, ‘Queen’ serves as an inspiring testament to the potential for personal growth and empowerment that lies within every woman.

English Vinglish" (2012)

‘English Vinglish’ (2012), directed by Gauri Shinde, presents a poignant narrative that delves into the journey of Shashi, an Indian housewife who struggles with her confidence and self-worth until she enrolls in an English language course and gradually gains independence and self-assurance.

Exploring the journey of Shashi in ‘English Vinglish’ allows viewers to witness her transformation from a subdued wife and mother to a confident individual who finds her voice through learning a new language.

The film celebrates women’s empowerment as it highlights Shashi’s determination to break free from societal expectations and find her own identity.

By addressing the challenges faced by many women in patriarchal societies, ‘English Vinglish’ promotes the importance of education, personal growth, and self-acceptance as crucial steps towards liberation.

Neerja" (2016)

‘Neerja’ (2016), a biographical thriller directed by Ram Madhvani, recounts the harrowing true story of Neerja Bhanot, a courageous flight attendant who sacrificed her own life to save passengers during a terrorist hijacking on Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986. The film highlights gender equality in Bollywood and serves as an empowering example of female characters in Indian cinema. Neerja’s character portrays strength, bravery, and resilience, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Her selfless act of heroism not only showcases women’s capabilities but also inspires others to break free from patriarchal constraints. The inclusion of such narratives in mainstream cinema helps promote awareness and acceptance of women’s rights and equality. Through ‘Neerja,’ audiences are reminded that women can be powerful agents for change and that their voices deserve to be heard.

Emotion	Image	Quote
Empowerment		"I am stronger than I think!"
Courage		"Fear is just a state of mind."
Resilience		"I will rise above every challenge I face."

Table: Emotional response evoked by ‘Neerja’ (2016).

Piku" (2015)

‘Piku’ (2015), a comedy-drama directed by Shoojit Sircar, explores the complexities of family relationships through the portrayal of a strong and independent female protagonist. The film revolves around Piku, an architect who is fiercely dedicated to her work and takes care of her hypochondriac father, Bhaskor Banerjee. As they embark on a road trip from Delhi to Kolkata, their journey becomes a metaphor for their emotional bond and the challenges they face as individuals.

• The realistic portrayal of a modern Indian woman struggling with societal expectations.
• The emphasis on the importance of communication and understanding within families.
• The exploration of aging and mortality in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner.
• The depiction of unconventional familial dynamics that challenge traditional gender roles.

With its refreshing take on family dynamics and strong female lead, ‘Piku’ (2015) resonates with audiences seeking liberation from societal norms while offering an entertaining and relatable experience.

Lipstick Under My Burkha" (2016)

‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ (2016), directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, delves into the clandestine lives of four women living in a small town in India. It portrays their journey as they navigate societal constraints and seek personal liberation behind their veils. The film sheds light on their desires, dreams, and aspirations that are often suppressed due to societal expectations. Through its narrative, ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ highlights the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. It addresses issues such as gender roles, sexuality, and freedom of expression. By exploring the hidden lives of these characters, the film invites its audience to question prevailing norms and advocate for equality and liberation for all women.

Dangal" (2016)

‘Dangal’ (2016), directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is a captivating film that chronicles the incredible true story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, an amateur wrestler who defies societal norms and trains his daughters to become world-class wrestlers. The film highlights the importance of gender equality in sports and breaks societal norms prevalent in Bollywood.

Here are three key aspects that contribute to the film’s impact:

1. Empowering portrayal: ‘Dangal’ showcases the strength and determination of female athletes, challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. It emphasizes that women can excel in typically male-dominated fields.

2. Fighting against adversity: The movie portrays the struggles faced by Phogat’s daughters as they navigate societal expectations and overcome obstacles to pursue their dreams. This resonates with audiences seeking liberation from restrictive social norms.

3. Inspiring change: By showcasing the journey of these trailblazing women, ‘Dangal’ encourages viewers to question prevailing beliefs about gender roles and inspires them to strive for equality in all spheres of life.

Overall, ‘Dangal’ serves as a powerful catalyst for discussions on gender equality in sports and challenges deep-rooted prejudices within society, making it a significant addition to Bollywood’s women-centric cinema.

Mardaani" (2014)

‘Mardaani’ (2014), directed by Pradeep Sarkar, delves into the dark underbelly of human trafficking and explores the harrowing journey of a female police officer as she fights against injustice and champions for the rights of vulnerable women.

This movie exemplifies female empowerment in Bollywood, showcasing a strong and determined woman who takes on a male-dominated industry to bring justice to those who have been marginalized.

‘Mardaani’ highlights the impact that women-centric movies can have on society by shedding light on important social issues and promoting awareness and empathy.

By depicting the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society, this film not only entertains but also educates its audience about gender inequalities and encourages them to become agents of change.

Through its powerful storytelling, ‘Mardaani’ inspires viewers to question societal norms and work towards creating a more inclusive and equal world for all.

Pad Man" (2018)

‘Pad Man’ (2018), directed by R. Balki, delves into the taboo subject of menstrual hygiene in India and tells the inspiring true story of a man who invents a low-cost sanitary pad-making machine to improve women’s access to safe menstrual products.

The film aims to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and break gender stereotypes surrounding menstruation. By addressing this topic, ‘Pad Man’ contributes to destigmatizing menstruation in Indian society and promotes discussions around the importance of providing women with hygienic options during their menstrual cycles.

Moreover, it challenges societal norms by showcasing a male protagonist taking initiative and advocating for women’s health rights. Through its narrative, ‘Pad Man’ encourages conversations about the need for gender equality and highlights the significance of empowering both men and women in promoting menstrual hygiene practices.

Talvar" (2015)

Continuing the exploration of women-centric movies, another noteworthy addition is ‘Talvar’ (2015).

This film delves into the impact it had on real-life crime cases by meticulously presenting a fictionalized version of the infamous Aarushi Talwar murder case.

Directed by Meghna Gulzar, ‘Talvar’ offers a gripping narrative that examines the intricacies of the investigation process and its repercussions on those involved.

This movie not only sheds light on the flaws within our judicial system but also challenges societal norms and biases.

It showcases how women are portrayed in investigative movies, often breaking away from traditional stereotypes to portray them as strong, intelligent individuals capable of unraveling complex mysteries.

Through its thought-provoking storytelling, ‘Talvar’ contributes to an ongoing dialogue surrounding gender equality and encourages audiences to critically analyze prevailing social attitudes towards women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the lead actresses in the movie ‘Pink’ (2016)?

The lead actresses in the movie ‘Pink’ (2016) are Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, and Andrea Tariang. Their performances contribute to the portrayal of women’s liberation in this Bollywood film.

What is the storyline of the movie ‘English Vinglish’ (2012)?

‘English Vinglish’ (2012) explores the empowerment of women through language learning and breaking societal stereotypes. The film portrays the journey of a woman’s self-discovery as she gains confidence and independence by mastering English.

Which actress played the role of Neerja Bhanot in the movie ‘Neerja’ (2016)?

Sonam Kapoor played the role of Neerja Bhanot in the Bollywood biopic ‘Neerja’ (2016). The film depicts the courageous story of Neerja, a flight attendant who sacrificed her life while saving passengers during a hijacking.

What is the central theme of the movie ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ (2016)?

The central theme of the movie ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ (2016) is gender oppression and empowerment. It depicts the struggles and aspirations of women in conservative societies, highlighting their fight for liberation and breaking societal norms.

Who directed the movie ‘Talvar’ (2015)?

The movie "Talvar" (2015) was directed by Meghna Gulzar. An analysis of the impact of women-centric movies on the Bollywood industry reveals an increasing discussion about gender equality and representation, highlighting the significant role female directors play in shaping narratives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the list of top 10 Bollywood women-centric movies includes:

• ‘Pink’ (2016)
• ‘Queen’ (2013)
• ‘English Vinglish’ (2012)
• ‘Neerja’ (2016)
• ‘Piku’ (2015)
• ‘Dangal’ (2016)
• ‘Mardaani’ (2014)
• ‘Pad Man’ (2018)
• ‘Talvar’ (2015)

These films have successfully portrayed strong female characters and tackled important social issues. Through their compelling narratives, these movies have challenged traditional gender norms and highlighted the resilience, determination, and empowerment of women in Indian cinema.