‘women-centric’ films that have left a significant impact on history

It isn’t your fault if you always think about a man when I talk to you about the ‘main lead’ of the film. We live in a society where hero means “hero” but as it is said in Dangal. “Humari chooriyan kya chooro se kaam hai.”

Here are some women-centric films, because we should celebrate women every day.

Queen

With the release of Kangana Ranaut’s film Queen, female-centric comedies were reimagined in an entirely new way.

via: The Indian Express

English Vinglish

Despite being a comedy-drama set in a desi household, Gauri Shinde successfully transformed a housewife into a hero in a wholly unexpected way while at the same time shining a light on the inequality among women in desi homes.

via: so-saree

Fire

Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das star in Fire, which was first released before even the discussion of LGBTQ+ issues became part of popular culture.

via: The Indian Express

Dangal

Dangal is among Bollywood’s finest sports dramas, based on the true story of the Phogat sisters. A total of 4 new female stars appeared in Dangal.

via: scroll.in

Astitva

Astitva was one of the first films to address the sexual desires and needs of women. It also addressed misogyny and toxic masculinity.

via: Times Of India

Thappad

Thappad was not just a story about domestic violence. It was one of the best Bollywood films of recent years. Patriarchy and male entitlement have far-reaching and often insidious effects as well.

via: IndiaTVNews

Mirch Masala

Mirch Masala shaped Hindi cinema. Women are abused to the point of becoming victims, while at the same time it highlights the need for women empowerment, long before empowerment became a ‘trend’.

via: scroll.in

Damini

It’s refreshing to see Damini, in a world where actresses often play the victim or supporting role, show up in crime dramas as a real-life female superhero who stands up for justice, no matter what the social system says about it.

via: IndianFilmHistory

Lipstick Under My Burkha

Unlike most women-centric films, Lipstick Under My Burkha did not preach or propose a radical solution to women’s problems. While it offered an intersectional view of women’s issues, it also held a mirror up to society.

via: Youtube

Raazi

There may be a one-size-fits-all approach to making patriotic films in Bollywood. Meghna Gulzar broke the mould by giving us Raazi, a story that proved that courage is not defined by gender and patriotism is costly.

via: ThePrint

Chak De! India

Chak De – India’s national sport – is revived by women of diverse backgrounds, together with a tough coach.

via: DesiMartini

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl

Despite controversy during its release, Gunjan Saxena was undoubtedly an inspiring true story. To remind society that dreams should not be gendered, if for no other reason.