For decades, Bollywood has largely been dominated by male-led blockbusters. Yet, over the years, several female-centric films have proved that powerful stories led by women can resonate with audiences and even dominate the box office.
From intense biographical dramas to slice-of-life stories and commercial entertainers, these films highlight women as the central force of the narrative.
Here are eight notable Bollywood films led by female protagonists that made a strong impact in recent years.
1. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Alia Bhatt, the film tells the story of Gangubai, a woman who rises to power in Mumbai’s Kamathipura while fighting for the rights of sex workers. The biographical drama became a major commercial success and reinforced the viability of female-led big-budget films.
2. Crew (2024)
Led by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu and Kriti Sanon, this heist comedy about airline crew members became one of the biggest female-led Bollywood releases of recent years. It also recorded one of the highest opening-day collections for a Hindi female-led film.
3. Laapataa Ladies (2024)
Directed by Kiran Rao, the film tells the story of two brides who get accidentally swapped during a train journey in rural India. Blending humour with social commentary, the film explores identity, independence and gender roles.
4. Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023)
Starring Rani Mukerji, this emotional drama follows a mother’s battle against a foreign child-welfare system to regain custody of her children. The film struck a chord with audiences for its powerful portrayal of maternal determination.
5. Piku (2015)
Featuring Deepika Padukone in the title role, the film explores the life of an independent woman juggling career responsibilities and caregiving duties for her ageing father. Its relatable storytelling and performances turned it into a beloved modern classic.
6. Queen (2014)
Headlined by Kangana Ranaut, this coming-of-age drama follows a young woman who embarks on a solo honeymoon after being abandoned by her fiancé. The film became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated female-centric movies.
7. English Vinglish (2012)
The late Sridevi delivered a memorable performance as a homemaker who gains confidence after enrolling in an English-speaking class. The film became a landmark comeback for the actor and a heartwarming story about self-worth.
8. Raazi (2018)
Another major success for Alia Bhatt, this spy thriller follows an Indian woman who marries into a Pakistani military family to gather intelligence during the 1971 war. The film proved that a gripping thriller led by a female protagonist could also become a box-office hit.
The success of films like these highlights a slow but significant shift in Bollywood storytelling. Female-driven narratives are increasingly finding both critical acclaim and commercial success, challenging the long-held notion that big box-office numbers require male superstars.
As the industry continues to evolve, such films demonstrate that audiences are more than ready to embrace stories where women take centre stage.
