March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring their virtues and celebrating their presence. From shaping personal growth to driving professional victories, women play an irreplaceable role in our everyday lives.
Cinema has long been a powerful medium to tell stories of extraordinary women who have risen from adversity to greatness. These films don’t just entertain; they inspire, break stereotypes, and remind us of the indomitable spirit of women.
Here are eight must-watch movies that capture the milestones of women, showcasing their rise from struggle to success.
1. Kahaani (2012)
Vidya Bagchi (Vidya Balan), a pregnant woman, arrives in Kolkata searching for her missing husband. As she navigates through the city’s chaos, she discovers shocking truths that lead to a thrilling climax. The film is a masterclass in suspense and deception, with a strong female lead.
2. Queen (2014)
Rani (Kangana Ranaut), a naive Delhi girl, is left heartbroken when her fiancé calls off their wedding. Instead of sulking, she embarks on her honeymoon alone, traveling to the cities of Europe. Through her journey, she finds her strength, gains confidence, and independence, making it an empowering tale of self-discovery.
3. Piku (2015)
Piku (Deepika Padukone) is a career-oriented woman managing the eccentricities of her aging father (Amitabh Bachchan), who is obsessed with his health. The film beautifully explores father-daughter dynamics, responsibility, and the balance between personal life and family duties, with a touch of humor and warmth.
4. Raazi (2018)
Set in the 1970s, Sehmat Khan (Alia Bhatt) is a young Kashmiri woman who is trained as an undercover Indian spy and married into a Pakistani military family. As she secretly gathers intelligence, she faces moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices, making this espionage thriller both gripping and emotionally intense.
5. The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)
A newlywed woman (Nimisha Sajayan) enters a traditional household where she is expected to cook, clean, and cater to her husband and in-laws. Over time, she realizes the suffocating reality of her role and fights against the deep-rooted patriarchy, making a bold statement about women’s unpaid labor in households.
6. Thappad (2020)
Amrita (Taapsee Pannu) is a devoted wife until a single slap from her husband at a party shakes her world. As she reassesses her marriage, love, and self-respect, the film challenges the normalization of domestic violence and emphasizes a woman’s right to dignity and equality in relationships.
- English Vinglish (2012)
Shashi (Sridevi), a devoted housewife, is often belittled for not knowing English. When she travels alone to New York for a wedding, she secretly joins an English-speaking class. Through this journey, she gains confidence, self-respect, and proves that every woman deserves to be valued. A heartwarming story of empowerment and transformation.
8. Mardaani (2014)
Shivani Shivaji Roy (Rani Mukerji) is a tough police officer who takes on a child trafficking syndicate. When a teenage girl she knows goes missing, she embarks on a relentless mission to track down the traffickers, proving that a woman in uniform can be just as fearless and formidable as any man.
Watch these films with the amazing women in your life and celebrate their strength, resilience, and worth, today and always.
Happy Woman’s Day!
– Prachi Mehta
