
Movies that you need to keep on your binge-list this Women's day
International Women's Day is celebrated all over the World to spread the message of gender equality. Films are one mainstream media to boost women's empowerment. Here is a list of popular Bollywood movies that portray women's power on screen. Binge-watch these on Women's International Day 2023.
1. Kahaani (2012)
Starring Vidya Balan as the pregnant Vidya Bagchi in search of her missing husband in Kolkata, Kahaani is a highly dramatic and emotional narrative of a woman’s determination and capacities. The woman-centric action film depicts Vidya Balan breaking the typecast role of the helpless damsel in distress as the film chronicles a woman’s fearless fight for justice and vengeance.

2. English Vinglish (2012)
Directed by Gauri Shinde, English Vinglish is a heartwarming and empowering tale of an Indian mother on the journey to reclaiming her selfhood. Starring late veteran actress Sridevi as the Indian homemaker Shashi, the film delves into the hardships posed by linguistic barriers in personal as well as social lives and the freedom gained by education and independence.

3. Mardaani (2014)
The 2014 action-thriller featuring Rani Mukjeri in the lead role of policewoman Shivani Shivaji Roy, Mardaani is a thrilling narrative revolving around Roy’s stumbling upon human trafficking stints within the Indian mafia while trying to solve the case of kidnapped teenage girl Pyaari. Mardaani was well-received critically and commercially as it was hailed for breaking gender stereotypes and depicting a strong female police officer leading the movie.

4. Mary Kom (2014)
The 2014 biographical sports drama stars Priyanka Chopra as the eponymous boxer as it recounts Mary Kom’s life journey from the daughter of a rice farmer in Manipur to India’s most famous female boxer. Ranking among the highest-grossing Indian films led by an actress in a lead role, Mary Kom captures the spirit of a sportswoman through Chopra’s uninhibited portrayal as the biopic centers around a woman’s journey towards her goals and smashing obstacles and stereotypes.

5. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Starring Alia Bhatt as the eponymous heroine, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali direction is a visual feast for the eyes as it chronicles young Ganga’s meteoric rise from a small-town girl to ‘Gangubai’- a veritable figure of power in Kamathipura, Mumbai while painting an opulent picture of 20th century Mumbai and lives of sex workers.
