Bollywood has always produced some great female-oriented movies. From Mother India in 1957 to Seeta Aur Geeta in 1972, and even Damini in 1993, these movies have set a strong example of how women can handle their own lives and lead the storyline as well. Over the years, many women-centric Bollywood movies have taken center stage, challenging deep-rooted patriarchy and societal norms. Sanya Malohtra’s Mrs. is one of the recently released feminist movies in Bollywood that challenges societal norms and redefines gender roles, especially in a newly married couple’s life. Now, if that description has left you intrigued, you’re probably someone who enjoys watching women-oriented Bollywood movies. If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a list of the top 10 women-centric films on ZEE5 that challenge patriarchy.
1. Mrs
Let’s start with the latest ZEE5 movie, Mrs. This Hindi adaption of the popular Malayalam film, The Great India Kitchen stars Sanya Malhotra in the lead role as Richa. Richa is a dancer and choreographer, who is confined to the four walls of her house after she gets married to a doctor. With familial and societal expectations at their peak, Mrs movie on ZEE5 shows you her harrowing journey before she finally decides to stand up for herself.
2. Mrs Undercover
Next on the list of female-oriented movies in Hindi is Mrs Undercover. With Radhika Apte in the lead as Durga, this film narrates the story of an undercover agent, living as a simple housewife. After years of being away from the job, when Durga is asked to come back for a mission, it feels like her life has got some meaning, she feels invigorated. It shows how important it is for women to not forget about themselves while taking care of the family.
3. Janhit Mein Jaari
Next on our list is Janhit Mein Jaari starring Nushrratt Baruccha in the lead as Manokamna Tripathi aka Mannu. It follows Mannu’s struggles as she decides to break through the societal norms and the taboo around condoms by being a condom sales girl. Despite objections from her family and society, Mannu’s journey to do what she believes in is truly inspirational.
4. Chhatriwali
With Rakul Preet Singh in the lead as Sanya Dhingra, Chhatriwali is the story of an unemployed chemistry genius who embarks on a journey to help students overcome the taboo associated with sex. Sanya’s journey against these social stigmas highlights the importance of sex education in India making this a must-watch movie.
5. Rashmi Rocket
Many Indian sportswomen such as Dutee Chand, Pinki Pramanik, and several others have been subjected to gender testing after being diagnosed with hyperandrogenism. Rashmi Rocket is a film that revolves around this issue with Taapsee Pannu playing the titular character of a track athlete competing in National and Asian games. This film made many women feel seen and brought this sensitive issue to the forefront.
6. NH10
Next on our list of female-oriented movies in Bollywood is Anushka Sharma’s NH10. In this film, she plays Meera, a women on a road trip with her partner. When they witness a murder and are hunted down by the killers, Meera is forced to fight back for survival. This movie truly shows that, when pushed to a corner, a woman can fight back and how!
7. English Vinglish
Late Sridevi’s English Vinglish is still one of my favorite movies as it puts forth a strong message without making it too complicated. Many of us underestimate our moms or the women of the house. Unknowingly, we might make them feel inferior. However, when Shashi is made to feel that way by her own kids, just because she’s not fluent in English, she decides to learn the language and surprise them. In this journey, she also rediscovers herself making this a great watch.
8. Kahaani 2
How can we even talk about women-centric Hindi movies and not mention Vidya Balan’s Kahaani 2? In this sequel, she plays Vidya who lives with a young paralyzed girl, Minnie. When Minnie is kidnapped, Vidya tries to save her but ends up in a coma. Now, as her case is being investigated, the police doubt whether she is the infamous Durga Rani Singh. Vidya’s acting in both these films is absolutely terrific. The strong character of both Vidya and Durga Rani Singh is truly inspirational.
9. Saand Ki Aankh
Based on the life of Indian sharpshooters Chandro and Prakashi Tomar, Saand Ki Aankh tracks their journey from living in a patriarchal society to winning medals for the nation. With Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead, this film shows how these women, even in their 60s decided to break free from the patriarchal society and do something that makes them happy.
10. Badnaam Gali
A woman’s surrogacy is a rarely talked-about topic, and that’s exactly what this movie revolves around. Badnaam Gali stars Patralekha as Noyonika, a young unmarried, pregnant woman who is judged by the society for her choices.
Which of these movies piqued your interest the most? Not sure? Don’t waste any more time thinking. Start with Mrs and watch all these amazing women-led movies online on ZEE5!
