Alia Bhatt In Gangubai Kathiawadi To Fatima Shaikh-Sanya Malhotra In Dangal, 7 Female-Led Films That Broke Stereotypes

Gone are the days when cinema was a male-dominated space. Modern Indian cinema has witnessed a stark shift, where female actresses are creating their space by leading the films, delivering impactful performances, and also ruling the box office. They are creating an engaging fusion of entertainment with a message that is staying with the audience, and is carrying good recall value. Here’s 7 female-led films that shattered stereotypes.

7 Female-Led Films That Broke Stereotypes

Pink

Headlined by Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, and Andrea Tariang, ‘Pink’ was not just a film, but a bold statement about female voices, their rights towards their bodies, and how ‘no means no’ when it comes to sexual assault. The film not only left a significant impact by mirroring the society and its outlook towards women, but it also earned commercially. It also won the National Film Award in the category of Best Film on Other Social Issues.

Pataakha

Radhikka Madan and Sanya Malhotra starred in the classic drama film ‘Pataakha’, and played the role of sisters who always quarrel about everything. However, they realize the true nature of their relationship after their marriage separates them. From showcasing their acting dynamics, to delving into the raw and rustic layers of their roles, they not only won hearts but also added to the film’s commercial success.

Gangubai Kathiawadi

In ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, Alia Bhatt brought to life the story of a girl who is forced into prostitution, but later, rises to become a madam and an influential figure in Bombay’s red light area. Apart from showcasing Alia Bhatt in a bold and fierce avatar, the film roared at the box office with record-breaking collections.

Dangal

Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh starrer ‘Dangal’ emerged as a game-changer in portraying women through a powerful lens. Beyond being a film, it emerged as a stereotype breaker for showing women on a wrestling ground, and achieving stereotypically unpredictable dreams. It set several records at the box office, becoming the only Indian film to cross the 2000-crore mark.

Laapataa Ladies

Pratibha Ranta and Nitanshi Goel starrer ‘Laapataa Ladies’ tells the story of two young newly-wed brides who get exchanged during a train ride to their husband’s home. Their journey is a stark reminder for females to achieve their dreams and learn to be independent. It went on to garner more acclaim on OTT and was eventually selected as the Indian entry at the 97th Academy Awards.

Crew

Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon took the audiences on a rollercoaster of laughter and thrill with this comedy heist drama. The film earned impressive collections globally and emerged as the sixth highest-grossing film of 2024.

Queen

Kangana Ranaut starrer ‘Queen’ is an iconic female-led film that’s bold, hilarious and never-seen-before. It tells the story of a diffident Punjabi girl who embarks on her honeymoon alone after her fiancé calls off their wedding. Various critics and publications hailed ‘Queen’ as one of the best film of 2014.

These films, featuring powerhouse actresses, have not only shattered stereotypical norms of storytelling, but have also displayed the ability of female actresses to pull off challenging and unconventional roles with ease.

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