International Women’s Day 2025: A look back at five popular female-centric Bollywood films

For International Women’s Day, BizAsiaLive.com looks back at five women-centric Bollywood films released recently, showcasing strong female leads and narratives that celebrate empowerment, resilience, and individuality.

These films reflect the growing shift in Bollywood towards stories that highlight women’s experiences and struggles, often breaking stereotypes and embracing diverse roles.

Piku (2015)
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Cast: Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Irrfan Khan
Piku is a heartwarming story that revolves around the complex dynamics between a father, played by Amitabh Bachchan, and his daughter, played by Deepika Padukone. The film beautifully portrays the caregiving responsibilities of Piku, a woman who balances her career, personal life, and the emotional and physical demands of looking after her ageing father. Deepika’s performance shines as a modern woman navigating life’s responsibilities with strength and love. Piku emphasises the theme of intergenerational relationships and the sacrifice women often make for family.

Tumhari Sulu (2017)
Director: Suresh Triveni
Cast: Vidya Balan, Manav Kaul, Neha Dhupia
In Tumhari Sulu, Vidya Balan portrays Sulochana Dubey, a middle-class housewife who unexpectedly becomes a late-night radio jockey. The film celebrates the idea of a woman breaking out of her mundane life and exploring her own passions and desires. Vidya Balan’s portrayal is refreshing and empowering, making Sulochana’s transformation both relatable and inspirational. It’s a film about female self-discovery, overcoming societal expectations, and embracing one’s true potential.

Queen (2013)
Director: Vikas Bahl
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao, Lisa Haydon
Queen is the story of Rani Mehra (played by Kangana Ranaut), a young woman who embarks on a solo honeymoon trip to Europe after her fiancé calls off their wedding. The film is a beautiful narrative of self-liberation and independence as Rani, once naïve and dependent, begins to discover her strength and independence while exploring new cultures and making new friends. Kangana’s transformative performance made Queen a landmark film in Bollywood, symbolising how a woman can rediscover herself even in the face of personal loss and heartbreak.

Raazi (2018)
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal
Raazi is a gripping spy thriller set during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, based on the real-life story of Sehmat, an Indian woman who marries a Pakistani military officer to serve as a spy for India. Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Sehmat is nuanced and strong, depicting the emotional and physical sacrifices a woman makes for her country while navigating her loyalty, love, and duty. The film is an empowering tale of courage, resilience, and patriotism through a woman’s perspective, proving that heroism is not just confined to men.

Chhapaak (2020)
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Cast: Deepika Padukone, Vikrant Massey
Based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, Chhapaak tells the inspiring story of Malti (played by Deepika Padukone), who not only survives a brutal attack but also fights for justice and a better future for acid attack survivors. The film highlights the emotional and physical scars that survivors carry but also their strength, resilience, and determination to rebuild their lives. Deepika’s powerful portrayal of Malti’s journey of healing and empowerment is a testament to the strength of women overcoming unimaginable adversity.