Rohit – Rohit Dwivedi
As 2024 bids farewell, one of the most notable trends in Indian cinema this year has been the overwhelming presence of women on screen. From powerful performances by actresses to female-driven narratives, this year has seen a shift where the voices and stories of women took center stage across Bollywood and beyond.
Bollywood’s Biggest Hit: A Female-Centric Story
Among the biggest successes in Indian cinema this year was the female-led blockbuster, Stree 2, which not only set records but also firmly established actress Shraddha Kapoor as the face of this horror-comedy franchise. Directed by Amar Kaushik, Stree 2 became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, proving that women-centric films are no longer a niche but are truly mainstream in Bollywood.
A Year of Diverse Female Stories
2024 also brought us films like Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. In this aerial action movie, Padukone shines as a fighter pilot, tackling new challenges and delivering a performance that adds depth to her role. Directed by Siddharth Anand, this film presented a story where the female protagonist was just as heroic as her male counterparts.
Another notable film was Lapatta Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, which shed light on the lives of rural women and the challenges they face. Although it didn’t garner significant box-office numbers, it found acclaim on OTT platforms and represented India at the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. While it didn’t make it to the final list, the film’s impact was undeniable.
A Star-Studded Female Cast in ‘Crew’
Another film that made waves this year was Crew, starring Tabu, Kareena Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon. The film, which was released in March, made an impressive mark at the box office. Within just nine days, it grossed over 100 crore worldwide, with all three actresses delivering stellar performances that carried the film’s success.
‘Jigra’ – A Cinematic Tale of Sisterhood
Jigra, a film directed by Vasan Bala, also joined the ranks of films that featured strong female characters. Released in October, the movie stars Alia Bhatt in a key role as the protective sister who will go to any lengths to save her brother. The film showcased a complex, emotionally charged narrative, earning Bhatt praise for her performance.
’Bhol Bhulaiyaa 3’ and ‘Singham Again’ – Women in Key Roles
November saw the release of Bhol Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham 3, two films with women playing central roles. Bhol Bhulaiyaa 3 was a massive hit, with Vidya Balan reprising her iconic role, while Madhuri Dixit and Tripti Dimri also made significant contributions to the story. Meanwhile, Singham 3 introduced Deepika Padukone as Lady Singham, a role that has already sparked discussions about a potential spin-off film focusing on her character.
Global Recognition for ‘All We Imagine as Light’
A significant achievement for women filmmakers this year came with the film All We Imagine as Light, directed by Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia. This international co-production, starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, centered around two Malayali nurses, showcased the international recognition that female directors and their work are receiving on the global stage.
’Pushpa 2’ – A Celebratory Representation of Women
Finally, the much-awaited Pushpa 2: The Rule continued to rule the box office in 2024. While Allu Arjun’s character, Pushparaj, remains the main attraction, it’s his relationship with his wife, Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna), that has garnered attention. The film emphasizes respect and love for women, with Pushparaj willing to go to any lengths for Srivalli’s happiness.
Conclusion
2024 has undoubtedly been a groundbreaking year for women in Indian cinema. From actresses to directors, the year has shown that women are not just supporting characters but are taking on complex, central roles in shaping the future of the industry. With female-driven stories making a significant impact at the box office and internationally, it’s clear that the era of women’s power on screen is here to stay. As we look ahead to 2025, this momentum is likely to continue, further solidifying the place of women in the cinematic world.