For decades, films projected heroes as protagonists and heroines, even the leading actresses, in supporting roles. ‘Mother India’ released in 1957 was probably the first ever Hindi film driven by a female lead. In the 20th century, we had a handful of such films in decades.
In the 21st century, this changed a bit. More and more actresses wanted to films with female leads, but there were hardly any such roles. Actors like Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Kangna Ranaut, and Bhumi Pednekar have often spoken in public about how people in the industry discouraged them from doing a female-oriented film.
There are only a handful of Bollywood films that celebrate womanhood. The producers and directors wanted to make action films in which the audience could clearly define a hero and villain. Actresses have always been shown as coy, mischievous, villainous, victims (abla naari), or cultured (sanskari). Their excuse was that the audience would accept only such a film.
In 2008, ‘Fashion’ created waves in India. It was led by Chopra and Ranaut. The two acting icons brought truly something iconic to the silver screen and more and more female actors started looking to play such roles. They want to drive the story rather than play a meagre part in driving the screenplay ahead.
2023 was different. We had a handful of films led by female actors that left a mark on the audience. Not only did they have actresses as leads but started conversations around taboo and crucial subjects. They celebrated womanhood in true essence.
‘Sukhee’
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Starring Shilpa Shetty as the lead. ‘Sukhee’ is a film highlighting the struggles of a homemaker. Its mere description seems like the plotline is done and dusted but the way Shetty brought the character ‘Sukhee’ to life is mind-blowing.
Though the message of the film was to make the audience question why we underestimate the hours and efforts put in by homemakers, it also answers the question of why women let their families walk over themselves.
Responsibilities of kids, elders, and husbands in the family, financial dependency, burden to play stereotypical gender roles, and lack of confidence can get the best of any person. When Sukhee leaves her family to meet her friends, they make her realise that no matter what a person has to use their spine to stand against the wrongdoings of husband, kids, and family.
‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’
Image Courtesy: IMDb
‘Satya Prem Ki Katha’ is one of the few films that talk about the struggles of a survivor of sexual abuse and violence. It had its flaws, especially how Karyan Aryan’s character Stayaprem behaved in some scenes. But the riveting performance of Katha, played by Kiara Advani kept it all together.
It showcases how betrayal in love and date rape pushed Katha into depression. Suicidal thoughts led her to cut her wrists. Despite her suffering, she could not muster the courage to tell her family what she went through.
Forced into marriage, Katha also felt suffocated when Satyaprem and his family pushed her to consummate the marriage. She finds ways to tackle the issue until she tells the truth to her husband.
The best aspect of the story is the couple trying to navigate intimacy on Katha’s terms. When the family learns the truth, they all stand by her side, which is different because families are usually shown to be embarrassed about such incidents.
‘Chhatriwali’
Image Courtesy: ZEE5
Though based on sex education and contraception, ‘Chhatriwali’ explores womanhood in a different light. Sania, played by Rakul Preet Singh, is a character who designs the formula for condoms. She is helping her boss to make the products better and more effective.
When she is married into a conservative family of Rishi, played by Sumeet Vyas, she learns that men don’t want to wear condoms because it makes them uncomfortable and is an attack on their manhood. On the contrary, women suffer through the side effects of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), miscarriages, and abortions of unwanted pregnancies.
She emphasised the need for sex education among teenagers in the country and moved mountains to prove her point. She drove the story towards the importance of practising safe sex and understanding the needs of your partner.
‘Lust Stories 2’
Image Courtesy: YouTube
From breaking taboos around premarital sex and masturbation to talking about consent and abuse in a marriage, 'Lust Stories 2' is anthology that the audience of OTT was looking for.
Konkana Sensharma directed the story featuring Tillotama Shome, and it was the best among the four. Self-pleasure, arousal, consent, and class divide have never been explored in the way that this short film did.
It was about gaining control of your body, understanding, and being unapologetic about it, but at the same time, one must not forget about consent. The best scene is when Ishita (Shome) and Sameera (Amruta Subhash) get into a heated argument, but a few days later reconcile after understanding each other’s acts. While Ishita desires companionship and an active sex life, Sameera desires privacy.
Don't Miss: 6 Factors To Consider When Choosing The Wedding Planner For Your Big Day
‘Thank You For Coming’
Image Courtesy: IMDb
‘Thank You For Coming’ is a sex comedy starring Bhumi Pednekar as Kanika Kapoor. She is about to enter her 30s and has never experienced an orgasm. She is looking for her ‘prince charming’ while also looking for someone who can be there for her during intimate moments.
A bit of the storyline might seem far from the feminist landscape, but being a ‘sex comedy’ from the lens of women makes it worth the hype. While sex being a taboo in India is one thing, talking about the vast pleasure gap is another. Directed by Karan Boolani, this film did a great job of showing a woman being aware of what she wants and not being apologetic about it.
Don't Miss: Essential Tips To Care For Flowering Plants During Winter Season
For every person, the definition of womanhood might vary, but one thing is common among all - desire. It could be for pleasure, adventure, respect, and safety. Tell us on social media which of these films you liked the most.