Bollywood Female Movies: Highest-Grossing Hindi Films Driven by Power-Packed Female Leads
Bollywood Female-Centric Movies: Among the many Bollywood genres changing the game with new storylines and good performances, the Indian entertainment industry has now emerged as a leading platform for breaking stereotypes for women, making female-centric characters acting as the flagbearers for normalising the humane-flawed woman with desires and imperfections, who openly challenge society taboos with their humanified characters. In ever-changing stigmas and new norms of modern society, where movies like “Animal” are crashing the box office with strong male-dominated characters with a dire need to justify “cheating your wife”, we have Gangubai Kathiawadi like movies as an eye opener for the hypocritic people who willingly go to the brothels and then criticize their institution.
Not only Gangubai, there are other female-lead movies showcasing the aspirations and desires that women wish society could understand. Here are some of the best and highest-grossing Bollywood movies with a heart of feminine psychology.
Crew
Taking a new flight to success is the recently released heist comedy movie with a trio-female lead starring Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon. The freshly paired three-generational cast has mesmerised audiences with their top-notch performance maintaining the balance of comedy and thrill with lots of boldness, boujeeness, and wildness reflecting the aura of modern working women who enjoy every bit and piece of their lives, with manifestations of more. Released on 29 March 2024, the movie has so far minted Rs 71 Cr worldwide, cementing its position as the highest opening day grosser for any female lead film ever in the world.
The Kerala Story
Adah Sharma’s 2023 film sparked outrage across the country with its raw narrative claiming 32,000 girls from Hindu and Christian backgrounds being deceived, persuaded, and forced into marrying Muslim men who then sent them to join ISIS in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The film follows the story of three young girls from Kerala, played by Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, and Sonia Balani. The film grossed Rs 303.97 Cr worldwide, making it the ninth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2023.
Gangubai Kathiawadi
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2022 film, starring Alia Bhatt, tells the sensitive and agonizing story of a young girl from Kathiawad who was forced into prostitution and later became a brothel owner and political figure. Starring Alia Bhatt as the main lead was one of the best choices much expected from Bhansali, who is known to glorify female characters with a strong and intricate cast. The film not only garnered a huge audience but also brought box offices back on track after the COVID-19 pandemic. The film garnered a whipping Rs 210 Cr worldwide during its runtime.
Tanu Weds Manu Returns
Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan’s romantic comedy was driven by the double role of Kangana playing Kusum “Datto” Sangwan and Tanuja “Tanu” Trivedi. Where many sequels failed to improve audience, Tanu Weds Manu Returns performed comparatively very well, grossing Rs 255 Cr worldwide.
The Dirty Picture
Vidya Balan’s performance as “Silk Smitha” in the 2011 movie is one of the finest performances of the actress. Showcasing the intriguing and complex story of the late actress’ personal and professional life, Vidya Balan's commendable acting blended well with the storyline, giving the narration a realistic touch, and earning the film Rs 117 Cr worldwide at the box office.
Queen
When it comes to showing true feminism and women-based realistic characters, there’s no match for Kangana who did a splendid job showcasing Rani’s simple and messed up life after her fiancé (played by Rajkummar Rao) refused to marry her, and despite her being in shatters with her broken marriage, she stood up and went to enjoy her solo honeymoon in Paris and Amsterdam. While the film only garnered approximately Rs 97 Cr at the box office, the movie is immensely appreciated for showcasing the delicate and determined side of women, who can not only dream about enjoying their life to the fullest but can also handle critical situations.
