Do you know what’s more important than strong characters in a movie? This is character development or character arc. When a filmmaker shows the character’s transformational journey through those 2 hours, it is a well-told story. Bollywood movies on Netflix have left a lasting impact on audiences with their powerful character arcs. Hindi filmmakers, known for their powerful storytelling, have given us many memorable character journeys filled with growth, struggle and redemption that you should not miss.
Here is a list of 5 Bollywood movies on Netflix with powerful characters that left fans in awe
1. Priyanka Chopra as Meghna Mathur in Fashion
- Director: Madhur Bhandarkar
- Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, Mugdha Godse
- Runtime: 2 hours 47 minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Rating: 7.0/10
What happens when an ordinary middle-class girl enters the glamorous world of fashion? You can find the story in Fashion where Priyanka Chopra gave the best performance of her career as Meghna Mathur. She is a small-town girl with many aspirations and wants to make it big in the world of modeling. As a result, she moves to Mumbai, starts a journey where she achieves success, and faces a major downfall.
Chopra’s innocent character soon turns into a self-absorbed diva who faces several setbacks in regaining her old values. Overall, their journey is the highlight of this film based on the dark side of the glamor industry, where it is difficult to protect one’s true identity and values.
2. Alia Bhatt in the role of Gangubai in Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
- Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vijay Raaz, Ajay Devgan
- Runtime: 2 hours 32 minutes
- Genre: Biographical Drama
- Rating: 7.0/10
When Alia Bhatt was cast in Gangubai Kathiawadi, fans had many doubts in their minds, but she played the lead role very well. The film shows the journey of Bhatt, a young girl who was forced into the world of prostitution, who faces many challenges, yet fights and overcomes them to become a powerful and respected leader of Kamathipura.
Her transformation from a victim to a strong leader and defender of women’s rights will keep you hooked to the film. It describes the strength and resilience of women who refuse to let circumstances decide their lives.
3. Ranbir Kapoor as Sanjay Dutt in Sanju
- Director: Rajkumar Hirani
- Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Vicky Kaushal
- Runtime: 2 hours 41 minutes
- Genre: Biographical Drama
- Rating: 7.7/10
If you think that popular actors lead a comfortable and easy life, then you are wrong. Sanju, based on the life of Sanjay Dutt, follows some of the important events of the actor’s life, and Ranbir Kapoor, who plays him, has a wonderful character in the film. It features a young child of star parents grappling with his mother’s death, drug addiction, heartbreak, legal troubles and more.
He transforms into a strong man who is willing to work hard and tries to pay less attention to opinions after a transformative journey. From a young man battling addiction to a responsible and dedicated family man, Dutt’s character is a treat to watch.
4. Preity Zinta in the role of Naina in Kal Ho Na Ho
- Director: Nikhil Advani
- Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan
- Runtime: 3 hours 6 minutes
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Rating: 7.9/10
Earlier, only a few films focused on the development of female characters and Preity Zinta’s role as Naina in Kal Ho Na Ho was one of them. She plays the role of a serious girl who has created a barrier in front of Aman’s emotions when she meets him. He is a charming person and helps her understand how to cherish every moment of life, be happy and be stressed.
She overcomes her emotional weaknesses and becomes carefree and happy. Her character arc is filled with childhood trauma, heartbreak, friendship, hope, and love.
5. Katrina Kaif in the role of Indu in Politics
- Director: Prakash Jha
- Cast: Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgan
- Runtime: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Genre: Political Drama
- Rating: 7.1/10
The world of politics and glamor has always transformed innocent people into a stubborn personality. One such character was Katrina Kaif’s role of Indu in Rajneeti. It was one of her best acting performances, featuring her as a sheltered woman.
But, when she is entrusted with power and has to enter the brutal and male-dominated world of politics, she transforms into a shrewd and powerful leader. Katrina’s restrained acting and precise portrayal of emotional depth made this character development journey all the more memorable.
Who is your favorite character in Bollywood movies on Netflix?
Also read: 5 Must-Watch Bollywood Movies on Netflix If You’re on a Path of Self Discovery