Women's Day 2026: From Gangubai to Mardaani, 7 Bollywood Films That Celebrate Powerful Female Characters (X)
Mumbai: Bollywood has produced several films over the years that put strong, fearless women at the centre of the story. These powerful storyline films highlight and celebrate courage, independence and resilience, while also reflecting the everyday struggles faced by women.
This International Women’s Day, here are seven Hindi films that celebrate powerful female characters and their inspiring journeys.
In this comedy-drama film, 'Queen', actress Kangana Ranaut plays Rani, a shy young woman whose life turns upside down when her fiance, played by Rajkumar Rao, calls off their wedding. Instead of staying back in despair, she decides to go on her honeymoon to Paris alone. During the trip, she discovers confidence, independence and a new outlook on life. The film became a symbol of self-empowerment for many women.
Starring Alia Bhatt, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' tells the story of a young and simple woman who is forced into prostitution but later rises to become a powerful voice for the rights of women in Mumbai’s red-light district. The film portrays her transformation from victim to leader and highlights her fight for dignity and justice.
Starring Rani Mukerji, 'Mardaani' is a film series that revolves around policewoman Shivani Shivaji Roy who takes up various tasks exposing and dismantling systems of violence against women.
The film 'Pink' is the legal thriller, which revolves around three women, including Taapsee Pannu, fighting a legal battle after an incident with influential men. The film also shows hoe a retired lawyer, played by Amitabh Bachchan steps in support their quest for justice. The film highlights the importance of consent, women’s rights, and the courage to speak up.
'Thappad' film is another Taapsee Pannu led which tells the story of a woman named Amrita, who questions her marriage after being slapped by her husband once in a party. She realizes that a husband who respects her wouldn't slap her. She chooses to stand up for her dignity rather than accept societal norms, highlighting the importance of self-respect and equality in relationships. Moreover, Vikram, the woman's husband, refuses to take accountability or apologize for his actions.
'Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway' is another Rani Mukerji led film that is inspired by the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty and Anurup Bhattacharya, an Indian immigrant couple whose children were taken away by Norwegian authorities in 2011.
In this family drama film, 'Piku', Deepika Padukone plays Piku, a working professional balancing her career and family responsibilities while caring for her ageing father. The film captures the everyday challenges of modern womanhood with humour and honesty.
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