India’s commitment to women’s upliftment, epitomized by the 2015 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, found a vivid echo in Bollywood after 2014. Films transitioned from peripheral female roles to protagonists wielding agency, influencing public discourse on gender dynamics.
The Mardaani series, starting with Rani Mukerji’s 2014 outing, redefined heroism. As Shivani Shivaji Roy, she confronted predators with fierce determination in Gopi Puthran’s gripping crime saga. Mukerji’s command carried the film, while the villain’s menace heightened tension. Part three looms large on the horizon.
Hichki (2018) offered a tender contrast, with Mukerji’s Naina Mathur overcoming Tourette’s to educate slum kids. Under Siddharth P. Malhotra, this dramedy destigmatizes conditions sidelined in mainstream narratives, celebrating educators’ transformative impact.
Alia Bhatt’s Kaira in Dear Zindagi (2016) explored therapy’s healing power alongside Shah Rukh Khan. Gauri Shinde’s direction wove self-love into a relatable tapestry, empowering women to prioritize mental wellness.
In Raazi (2018), Bhatt’s Sehmat embodied sacrifice and cunning during wartime espionage. Meghna Gulzar’s direction, bolstered by stellar supporting actors, highlighted women’s strategic prowess in history’s pivotal moments.
Thappad (2020) hit hard with Taapsee Pannu’s Amrita, whose life unravels post-assault, leading to a stand against normalized violence. Anubhav Sinha layered real-life testimonies to advocate for dignity and reform.
The Kerala Story (2023) shocked with Adah Sharma’s descent into extremism via Sudipto Sen’s lens. Shalini’s odyssey from Kerala classrooms to Syrian strife illustrates survival’s raw tenacity.
These narratives have reshaped Bollywood’s ethos, synchronizing with national empowerment drives. They compel society to amplify women’s stories, fostering a future of equity and strength.