Women-Centric Films: The idea that “a woman is stronger than anything” might often be dismissed as just a slogan. However, the actresses in the Bollywood industry have repeatedly proven this notion through their powerful performances and film choices. Traditionally, films typically revolve around a hero, a heroine, and a villain, but it’s no longer the case that heroines receive less screen time or are reduced to mere roles of dance and romance. With changing times, actresses have demonstrated their ability to lead films to success on their own terms. Currently, the buzz around the box office hit ‘Stree 2,’ featuring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, exemplifies this trend.
‘Stree 2’ has crossed the astounding milestone of ₹400 crores at the Indian box office, receiving widespread acclaim for Shraddha Kapoor’s performance. Before Shraddha, notable actresses like Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt have also shone in women-centric films that achieved remarkable box office success. Let’s explore some films that have made their mark:
Top 4 Women-Centric Bollywood Films
1. Gangubai Kathiawadi – Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt’s filmography is impressive, with very few flops among her releases. As time has passed, she has honed her acting skills, becoming one of the industry’s top actresses. One of her notable women-centric films is ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Alia plays the lead role of a powerful woman in Mumbai’s underworld. The film made ₹10.50 crores on its opening day and raked in an impressive ₹211.5 crores at the box office.
2. Padmaavat – Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone’s films are highly anticipated by her fans. Known for her careful selection of projects, she has set a record by starring in three films that grossed over ₹1000 crores. Among her women-centric films, ‘Padmaavat’ stands out. In this epic drama, Deepika plays the lead role and the film garnered ₹24 crores on its opening day, eventually grossing ₹585 crores worldwide, despite a budget of ₹215 crores.
3. Raazi – Alia Bhatt
The Indian spy thriller ‘Raazi’ highlights Alia Bhatt’s talent in a performance admired by audiences and critics alike. Based on Harinder Sikka’s novel ‘Calling Sehmat’, the film tells the story of a young woman who goes undercover to save her country. With a modest budget of ₹37 crores, ‘Raazi’ impressed with a global box office collection of ₹195 crores.
4. Queen – Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut has built a unique reputation in the industry based on her performances. The film ‘Queen,’ released in 2014, is a showcase of her capability to carry a film on her shoulders. Kangana plays the role of a girl who embarks on a solo honeymoon. Made on a budget of just ₹20 crores, this film grossed around ₹95 crores at the box office, marking a significant success for a woman-led project.
| Film | Actress | Opening Day Collection | Total Box Office Collection | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gangubai Kathiawadi | Alia Bhatt | ₹10.50 Crores | ₹211.5 Crores | Not Specified |
| Padmaavat | Deepika Padukone | ₹24 Crores | ₹585 Crores | ₹215 Crores |
| Raazi | Alia Bhatt | Not Specified | ₹195 Crores | ₹37 Crores |
| Queen | Kangana Ranaut | Not Specified | ₹95 Crores | ₹20 Crores |
These films are a testament to the fact that women-centric narratives are gaining prominence and are successfully attracting audiences to theaters. With actresses like Shraddha Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, and Kangana Ranaut at the forefront, the future looks promising for women-led films in Bollywood.
