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English Vinglish (2012)
Directed by Gauri Shinde and starring the late Sridevi in a poignant role, English Vinglish tells the story of Shashi, a middle-aged homemaker who embarks on a journey to learn English during a visit to New York City. Shashi's transformation from a timid housewife to a confident learner resonated deeply with audiences, highlighting themes of self-discovery and personal growth.
Sridevi's performance was lauded for its sincerity and emotional depth, reminding viewers of her unparalleled star power. The film's success was not just limited to India; it earned approximately 66 crores worldwide and became a critical and commercial success.
Available on: Netflix
Kahaani (2012)
Kahaani, starring Vidya Balan in the lead role, is a suspense thriller that takes place against the backdrop of Kolkata's Durga Puja festivities. Balan portrays Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman who arrives in Kolkata searching for her missing husband. As Vidya delves deeper into the mystery, the film unfolds into a gripping tale of deception and intrigue.
Vidya Balan's performance as a determined and resourceful protagonist garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying her reputation as one of Bollywood's most versatile actresses. Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, Kahaani was a commercial success, earning 80 crores globally.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Queen (2014)
Queen, directed by Vikas Bahl and starring Kangana Ranaut, is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that remains a standout in Bollywood's portrayal of female-centric narratives. The film follows Rani, a simple Delhi girl whose life takes an unexpected turn when her wedding is called off. Determined to find herself, Rani decides to embark on her pre-booked honeymoon trip to Europe alone.
Kangana Ranaut's portrayal of Rani earned widespread praise for its authenticity and charm. The film's exploration of self-discovery, independence, and female friendship struck a chord with audiences, making it a critical and commercial success with box office earnings of 97 crores.
Available on: Netflix
Mary Kom (2014)
Mary Kom, directed by Omung Kumar and starring Priyanka Chopra in the titular role, is a biographical sports drama based on the life of the acclaimed Indian boxer, Mary Kom. The film chronicles Mary Kom's journey from a young girl in Manipur to becoming a world champion in boxing, highlighting her struggles, triumphs, and relentless determination.
Priyanka Chopra's compelling performance as Mary Kom was widely praised, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Despite its modest production budget, Mary Kom earned 91 crores worldwide, reflecting its appeal to both critics and audiences alike.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)
Tanu Weds Manu Returns, directed by Aanand L. Rai and starring Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan, is a sequel that surpassed expectations with its engaging storyline and strong performances. The film continues the journey of Tanu and Manu, exploring their troubled marriage and the complications that arise when they encounter their doppelgangers.
Kangana Ranaut's dual role as Tanu and Datto was hailed for its comedic timing and emotional depth. The film's box office success was remarkable, grossing 255 crores worldwide and solidifying its status as a rare female-led blockbuster.
Available on: Disney+ Hotstar
Neerja (2016)
Neerja, directed by Ram Madhvani and starring Sonam Kapoor in the titular role, is a biographical thriller based on the life of Neerja Bhanot, a courageous flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save passengers during a hijacking. The film unfolds with gripping intensity, showcasing Neerja's bravery and the harrowing events aboard the hijacked flight.
Sonam Kapoor's portrayal of Neerja Bhanot was widely acclaimed, earning her accolades for capturing the essence of a real-life hero. Neerja has earned 135 crores at the box office during its run.
Available on: Disney+ Hotstar
Raazi (2018)
Directed by Meghna Gulzar and starring Alia Bhatt in a pivotal role, Raazi is a spy thriller based on Harinder Sikka's novel, Calling Sehmat. Set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the film follows Sehmat, a young Indian woman who marries a Pakistani military officer to gather intelligence for the Indian intelligence services.
Alia Bhatt's nuanced portrayal of Sehmat earned widespread acclaim, showcasing her ability to balance vulnerability with steely resolve. Raazi was both a critical and commercial success, earning 197 crores at the box office.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Stree (2018)
Stree, directed by Amar Kaushik and starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, is a horror-comedy that subverts genre conventions with its feminist undertones and witty screenplay. The film is set in a small town where men start disappearing mysteriously, purportedly abducted by a vengeful female spirit.
Stree earned 180 crores at the box office and Shraddha Kapoor's performance as the enigmatic Stree was praised for adding depth to the comedic narrative.
Available on: Disney+ Hotstar
Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Alia Bhatt in the titular role, Gangubai Kathiawadi is a period drama based on the life of Gangubai Kothewali, a brothel madam and influential figure in Mumbai's underworld. The film explores Gangubai's journey from exploitation to empowerment, highlighting her resilience and strength in a male-dominated society.
Alia Bhatt's portrayal of Gangubai was hailed as a career-defining performance, earning praise for her commanding presence and emotional depth. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, Gangubai Kathiawadi revitalized box offices with earnings of 210 crores.
Available on: Netflix
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