In the vibrant world of Bollywood, storytelling has evolved to embrace the complexities of strong female characters who challenge norms and inspire audiences with their resilience and courage. From the determined Suhana Bhatia dealing with complex professional challenges in Uzl to the fierce Gangubai battling social expectations in Gangubai Kathiawadi, these films show women dealing with life’s adversities with unwavering strength.
Here are seven remarkable movies that not only entertain but also empower, and remind us of the importance of being bold and courageous in our lives.
7 Bollywood movies on Netflix with tough female characters that grab everyone’s attention
1. Suhana Bhatia – Ulaj
- Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
- Release Year: 2024
- Genre: Thriller, Drama
Uljhan presents the gripping journey of young IFS officer Suhana Bhatia from a respectable patriotic family, as she grapples with challenges that blur the lines between her personal and professional life. In this thriller, Suhana’s career-defining situation draws her into a web of risky conspiracies.
Janhvi Kapoor as Suhana has enthralled the audience and brought to life a tenacious, resilient character whose strength and determination inspires the audience to remain strong in the face of adversity.
2. Meenal Rathore – Fighter
- Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Rishabh Sahni, Anil Kapoor
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Release Year: 2024
- Genre: Action, Thriller
Directed by Siddharth Anand, Fighter is a gripping action-packed drama that takes the audience into the world of elite fighter pilots, showcasing their intense fighting and unwavering patriotism. The film stars Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, who bring to life a special unit of Indian Air Force pilots called the Air Dragons.
Tasked with dealing with the grave terrorist threats in the Srinagar Valley, this elite team must overcome personal differences to protect their country at all costs. Deepika Padukone’s character of Squadron Leader Meenal Rathod or Minnie is strong and charming. Her fierce, resilient character stands as a true inspiration for women everywhere, showing her strength in facing her battles head on.
3. Gangubai Kathiawadi – Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Release Year: 2022
- Genre: Drama, Crime
In Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia Bhatt transforms into a Gujarati woman who finds herself in the depths of Bombay’s Kamathipura red light area after being betrayed by her lover. Over time, she became a formidable matriarch in the community.
Alia’s portrayal of Gangubai at different stages of her life enthralled the audience and won her several accolades including the National Award for Best Actress. The strength and resilience of her character is the core of the film, inspiring women everywhere to face life’s challenges with courage and determination.
4. Jaya – Missing Ladies
- Cast: Nitanshi Goyal, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastava, Chhaya Kadam
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Release Year: 2023
- Genre: Drama, Satire
Set in a rural Indian setting, ‘Missing Ladies’ tells the entertaining yet heart-touching story of two women who are accidentally swapped in a train right after their wedding. This satirical film highlights patriarchy and the sometimes absurd marriage practices in some communities, mixing humor with criticism of social norms that limit women.
Pratibha Ranta shines as Jaya, a character who relentlessly pursues her dreams despite facing many challenges and helps Deepak locate Phool Kumari. Her resilience and strength provide inspiration, reminding every woman to rise above obstacles and forge her own path.
5. Debika Chatterjee – Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway
- Cast: Rani Mukherjee, Jim Sarbh, Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Gupta
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Release Year: 2023
- Genre: Drama
Rani Mukherjee has given a charming performance as Debika Chatterjee in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Set in Norway, the story centers on Debika, whose life is turned upside down when authorities take away her children. The film chronicles her intense legal battle against the Norwegian system as she attempts to regain custody of her children.
Rani’s portrayal of a fierce and determined mother is deeply reflective, showing her unwavering determination to fight against all odds for her children. Their journey emphasizes the power of determination and strong will, inspiring audiences to believe that with courage and perseverance, anything can be achieved.
6. Advocate Kamini Maheshwari – OMG 2
- Cast: Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi, Yami Gautam, Arun Govil, Aarush Verma
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Release Year: 2023
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
OMG 2 presents a compelling narrative centered around a frustrated citizen who seeks a court ruling to implement sex education in schools. This courtroom drama blends humor with serious themes, starting with the troubles of an elderly businessman and focusing on the struggles of a young student at a local school.
The film highlights the serious need for sex education in India, highlighting the character of Pankaj Tripathi as he challenges the education system and social norms after his son is unjustly expelled for a minor incident. Gives. Yami Gautam shines as a forceful lawyer, skillfully opposing Pankaj Tripathi in the court.
Her powerful performance, portraying a complex character, enthralled the audience and underlined the strength of women in challenging circumstances, leaving a lasting impression as an inspiring personality.
7. Maya D’Souza – Jaane Jaane
- Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vijay Verma, Jaideep Ahlawat, Saurabh Sachdeva, Lynn Laishram, Nayesha Khanna
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
- Release Year: 2023
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Jaane Jaane Set in the picturesque backdrop of Kalimpong, the film tells the story of Maya D’Souza, played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, a devoted single mother who attempts to save her daughter from a toxic ex-partner. Despite their daughter’s best efforts to keep them safe, their lives take a dangerous turn when the father tracks them down. In a desperate act of protection, Maya finds herself committing a serious crime, and her neighbor Naren, a math teacher, becomes embroiled in her conflicts.
Kareena’s portrayal of a strong woman facing huge challenges is truly inspiring, showcasing the resilience and determination of women. It’s empowering to see such an important female leader navigate a tumultuous situation, reminding us of the strength we can find within ourselves.
These seven Bollywood movies on Netflix celebrate the spirit of strong female characters who break barriers and inspire us all. Each story depicts a journey full of struggles, triumphs and unwavering courage to face the challenges of life head on.
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