Bhubaneswar: International Women’s Day in the realm of Indian cinema serves as a moment to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women to the film industry, both on and off-screen. Indian cinema has a rich history of female pioneers who have broken barriers, challenged stereotypes, and left an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema.
From iconic actresses like Nargis, Madhubala, and Waheeda Rehman to contemporary stars like Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, and Alia Bhatt, women have played multifaceted roles, captivating audiences with their talent, charisma, and versatility. These actresses have not only entertained audiences but have also portrayed strong, complex female characters that have resonated with viewers across generations.
Beyond acting, women in Indian cinema have made significant strides in various other aspects of filmmaking. Directors like Zoya Akhtar, Gauri Shinde, and Meghna Gulzar have helmed critically acclaimed films, while writers such as Juhi Chaturvedi and Gazal Dhaliwal have penned compelling stories that challenge societal norms and spark important conversations.
Here are some of the best women-centric films that broke new grounds in Bollywood.
Mother India (1957)
‘Mother India’, a classic Indian film directed by Mehboob Khan, was released in 1957. The film is considered one of the greatest Indian films ever made and is often regarded as a masterpiece of Indian cinema. This iconic film is synonymous with representing India post-Independence, as it pioneered the exploration of a woman’s inner strength. The film’s enduring popularity lies in its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
Aandhi (1975)
‘Andhi’, a renowned Indian film directed by Gulzar, was released in 1975. The film is known for its compelling storyline, powerful performances, and memorable music. Widely believed to be inspired by the life of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The character of Aarti Devi, portrayed by Suchitra Sen, shares similarities with Gandhi, including her political career, personal life, and relationships. However, it’s worth noting that while the film draws parallels with real-life political figures, it is a work of fiction and not a biographical account of any specific individual.
Arth (1982)
‘Arth’, a critically acclaimed Indian film directed by Mahesh Bhatt, was released in 1982. The movie is known for its realistic portrayal of relationships, emotions, and the complexities of human nature. It stars Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Smita Patil, and Raj Kiran in pivotal roles. ‘Arth’ has been praised for its nuanced storytelling, well-developed characters, and powerful performances, is also considered a landmark film in Indian cinema for its bold and honest portrayal of women’s experiences and relationships. It remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences for its universal themes and compelling storytelling.
Mirch Masala (1987)
This cinematic masterpiece stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of women, showcasing their indomitable spirit and unwavering courage to confront adversities head-on. “Mirch Masala” is considered a landmark film in Indian cinema for its bold portrayal of women’s empowerment and its exploration of themes such as gender dynamics, power structures, and collective resistance.
Chandni Bar (2001)
‘Chandni Bar, a film directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, was released in 2001. The movie is known for its gritty portrayal of the life of a woman (played by Tabu) who becomes embroiled in the world of Mumbai’s dance bars, grappling with the challenges and dangers inherent in the city’s underworld. It remains a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human cost of survival in a city where dreams and nightmares often collide.
Black (2005)
‘Black’ is a highly acclaimed Indian film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The movie stars Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji in the lead roles. ‘Black’ has been praised for its poignant storytelling, powerful performances, and emotional depth. Rani Mukerji delivers a standout performance as Michelle, capturing the character’s resilience, determination, and spirit with remarkable authenticity. In addition to its compelling storyline and performances, ‘Black’ is known for its beautiful cinematography, evocative music.
Fashion (2008)
Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, this movie is known for its realistic portrayal of the fashion industry and the challenges faced by aspiring models and designers. Set against the backdrop of the glitzy and glamorous world of fashion, ‘Fashion’ follows the journey of Meghna Mathur (played by Priyanka Chopra), a small-town girl with dreams of becoming a top model. The movie is best known for its bold and insightful portrayal of the fashion industry and its impact on the lives of those who inhabit it.
The Dirty Picture (2011)
‘The Dirty Picture’ is a highly acclaimed Indian film directed by Milan Luthria. The movie is a biographical drama inspired by the life of Silk Smitha, a South Indian actress known for her bold and sensual roles in the 1980s. The movie is considered groundbreaking movie in Indian cinema for its bold and empowering portrayal of a woman who defied societal norms and expectations to pursue her dreams. It remains a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of fame, desire, and identity in the world of entertainment.
Pink (2016)
The movie shows the legal battle of Minal and her friends to prove their innocence. They try to
Thappad (2020)
The Taapsee Pannu-starring film is a story of Amrita whose seemingly perfect life is shattered when her husband slaps her once at a party. The film takes a strong position against patriarchy as the wife decides to file for divorce following the incident.
Pagglait (2021)
Following the sudden death of her husband shortly after their wedding, a young woman grapples with her difficulty in mourning and contends with intrusive relatives. However, her journey takes a surprising turn when she uncovers a startling revelation about her deceased spouse. Sanya Malhotra takes on a pivotal role in this drama film, with Sayani Gupta, Sheeba Chaddha, and Shruti Sharma also featuring prominently in the cast. The drama is directed by Umesh Bist.
Tribhanga (2021)
The movie sheds light on women and their choices in a patriarchal system and also children coming from “broken families”. Directed by Renuka Shahane, it has Kajol, Tanvi Azmi, and Mithila Palkar playing pivotal roles.
Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is a biographical crime film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, starring Alia Bhatt in the titular role. The film is based on a chapter of Hussain Zaidi’s book “Mafia Queens of Mumbai” which revolves around the life of Gangubai Kothewali, a powerful and influential brothel owner in the Kamathipura area of Mumbai during the 1960s. The film was highly appreciated for its intriguing storyline, powerful performances, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial vision.
Darlings’ (2022)
‘Darlings’ is a dark comedy that unravels the intriguing journey of two women entangled in crime. The film sheds light on female camaraderie and the depths as the two women navigate to protect themselves and their family. Featuring an exceptional ensemble and a captivating plot, starring Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah, the film portrays both the challenges and delights of womanhood.
Trial By Fire (2023)
‘Trial By Fire’ is inspired by the true events surrounding the Uphaar cinema fire tragedy, depicting the subsequent legal struggle for justice. Neelam Krishnamoorthy is one of the key figures and the mother of two teenagers who died in the fire. Neelam’s role in the documentary is significant, as she is shown as a powerful voice for justice and accountability. She is portrayed as a determined mother who refuses to accept the tragedy as mere happenstance, instead demanding transparency and responsibility from those implicated.
Despite the advancements made by women, challenges persist, including gender disparities in pay, opportunities, and representation. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing to push for gender equality in Indian cinema, both in front of and behind the camera.
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