As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the incredible contributions and achievements of women across the globe. One powerful medium through which these stories are told is film. From highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women to challenging societal norms, women-centric films serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment.
Here are seven remarkable women-centric films, including Bollywood masterpieces, that everyone should watch today to honor the strength and resilience of women.
“Hidden Figures” (2016)
Directed by Theodore Melfi, “Hidden Figures” portrays the inspiring true story of three African-American female mathematicians who played pivotal roles at NASA during the 1960s space race. It’s a must-watch for its portrayal of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson breaking barriers and contributing significantly to space exploration.
“Suffragette” (2015)
Directed by Sarah Gavron, “Suffragette” sheds light on the early 20th-century women’s suffrage movement in Britain. It’s a powerful film that underscores the importance of women’s rights and their relentless fight for equality.
“Queen” (2014)
Directed by Vikas Bahl, “Queen” is a heartwarming Bollywood film that follows the journey of Rani, played by Kangana Ranaut, a young woman who embarks on a solo honeymoon trip to Europe after her wedding is called off. Through her adventures and encounters, Rani discovers her independence, strength, and self-worth, making it a delightful watch for International Women’s Day.
“Piku” (2015)
Directed by Shoojit Sircar, “Piku” is a charming Bollywood film that revolves around the relationship between a father-daughter duo, played by Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone. Padukone’s portrayal of Piku, a strong-willed and independent woman juggling her career and family responsibilities, resonates with audiences, making it a refreshing depiction of contemporary Indian womanhood.
“Lipstick Under My Burkha” (2016)
Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, “Lipstick Under My Burkha” is a bold and thought-provoking Bollywood film that follows the secret lives and desires of four women from different backgrounds in Bhopal, India. Through their struggles against societal norms and patriarchal oppression, the film challenges stereotypes and celebrates female agency and liberation.
“English Vinglish” (2012)
Directed by Gauri Shinde, “English Vinglish” stars late superstar Sridevi in her comeback role as Shashi, a middle-aged woman who enrolls in an English language course to gain respect from her family. The film beautifully captures Shashi’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she gains confidence and asserts her worth, inspiring viewers to embrace their imperfections and pursue their dreams unapologetically.
“Chhapaak” (2020)
Directed by Meghna Gulzar, “Chhapaak” is a powerful Bollywood film inspired by the true story of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Deepika Padukone delivers a compelling performance as Malti, a fictionalized version of Agarwal, whose resilience and courage in seeking justice and raising awareness about acid violence are both heart-wrenching and inspiring.