9 Brilliant Women-Directed Bollywood Movies That Need To Be On Your Watch List
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It is undeniable that Bollywood is a male-dominated area, just as in every other field in the world. From producers and directors to scriptwriters, most of the backstage work is almost entirely run by men. Thus, this usually results in us seeing just one side of a spectrum. However, there are a few Bollywood films that have been directed by women and hence have a fascinating side to them. These result in films with distinct styles and unique perspectives. Many of these female-directed films contain topics that are not often tackled in a male-dominated space. Many brilliant female directors have carved a niche for themselves within Bollywood. So if you’re interested in watching some complex, creative, and deep masterpieces that female directors have directed, here are nine that must be on your list:
1. The Namesake By Mira Nair
The Namesake details the tale of a first-generation Indian immigrant to America and his early life in The States. It follows the story of Ashoka, played by the late Irrfan Khan, and Ashima, played by Tabu, as they move to the West to start a new life and raise their children as Indian-Americans. Their older son, Gogol, played by Kal Penn, strives to form an identity of his own as someone stuck in between two worlds. It is up to Gogol to maintain his unique identity in a world that is trying to cage him.
2. Water By Deepa Mehta
Water examines the trials and tribulations faced by a group of widows in late 1930s India. These windows have been forced into poverty after the death of their husbands. Some of them came in as young girls and never got the chance to leave. Water follows the story of one such widow who decides to break ranks and strike up a friendship with a follower of freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi.
3. Dear Zindagi By Gauri Shinde
Dear Zindagi is an ode to all those who tend to suffer in silence. It is a powerful movie that stars Alia Bhat and Shah Rukh Khan in the lead roles. The story is a poignant portrayal of how mental health can affect all and any of us. It is a beautiful journey of self-discovery and growth, and it is startlingly real and authentic. With incredible cinematography and a wonderful plot, this is definitely a must-watch.
4. Margarita With A Straw By Shonali Bose
This movie is an underrated masterpiece that tackles taboo subjects with good humor and cheer. It takes us through a young woman’s journey as she deals with adolescence, family values, love, and much more. Margarita With A Straw is a beautiful coming-of-age film that will have you going from fits of laughter to puddles of tears.
5. Dhobi Ghat By Kiran Rao
While Kiran Rao has struck up a great career as the producer of well-known films like Talaash, Delhi Belly, and Dangal, Dhobi Ghat, her directorial debut, is genuinely one of the best works she has ever created. Dhobi Ghat is a film that draws on the issues of classism, gender, poverty, love, and art in a simplistic yet uber-powerful manner. It’s no wonder that this film is appreciated so much by critics and fans alike.
6. A Death In The Gunj By Konkona Sen Sharma
Konkona Sen Sharma proves she has equal prowess behind the camera as she carries herself when she acts in front of it. A Death In The Gunj is a classic whodunit film and leaves you gripping the edge of your seat with anticipation for its unique twists. It features a motley cast of ensemble actors like Jim Sarbh, Vikrant Massey, and Tillotama Shome and takes you on a dip into a pool of nostalgia that you didn’t know you even missed.
7. Lipstick Under My Burkha By Alankrita Shrivastava
Lipstick Under My Burkha tells the story of four women stuck in a small town that lead secret lives that are the parallel opposites to their real lives. It follows the story of a matronly widow, Usha Parmar, as she develops a secret habit of spying on and fantasizing about the neighborhood swimming pool coach. The three other women who live in different parts of the house that Usha owns have unique stories of their own.
8. Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd By Reema Kagti
Six newly-married and uniquely diverse honeymooning couples have to face marital bliss as well as discord as they start to find out more about their significant others. This movie is as heart-warming as it is bone-tickling hilarious, and definitely, one that will have you in splits. Watch this movie for the hilarious Boman Irani and Kay Kay Menon.
9. Gully Boy By Zoya Akhtar
Gully Boy is a film that follows the story of a young man named Murad Ahmed, who is a final year college student and lives in the slums of Dharavi in Mumbai. When his abusive father, Aftab, brings home a much younger second wife, the family is left in two minds. Murad later nurtures a fascination for rap music which is supported by his longtime and overly possessive girlfriend named Safeena.
These are just a few of the many brilliant movies that women have directed that you can add to your watchlist. These films prove that we need more women in Bollywood and less of the typical male-gaze films that we are subjected to. Do let us know if you have watched any of the movies on our list in the comment section below!
