Through Her Lens: Bollywood has long been more than just entertainment; it has served as a powerful lens through which society’s treatment of women is exposed and questioned.
From silent suffering to fearless resistance, Bollywood films have increasingly brought women’s issues from the shadows to the center of the screen.
There are many films that explore how women’s narratives have been portrayed, how they have evolved over time, and how effectively these stories deliver powerful social messages.
Here are some films that you should watch as follows
1.Thappad
One of the most persistent themes in Bollywood is the struggle against patriarchy.
Films like Thappad highlight how normalized gender inequality can be within marriage.
The film questions the idea that women must silently endure disrespect to preserve family honor.
2.Dangal
It highlights how gender bias in sports and society often overlooks women’s contributions to the nation and to society at large.
The story of young women wrestlers breaking societal norms reflects a broader issue, the limited opportunities available to girls in traditional households.
3.Queen
It shows how s a young woman discovering independence and self-worth after being abandoned before her wedding.
The journey symbolizes personal growth beyond societal definitions of success and marriage.
4.Pink
It can be considered one of the finest films in Hindi cinema, particularly for the way it portrays sexual violence and underscores the importance of women’s consent. The film’s powerful message is captured in the iconic line delivered by Amitabh Bachchan: “No means no.”
The film challenges victim-blaming and firmly emphasizes that consent is non-negotiable, regardless of a woman’s lifestyle or personal choices.
5.Mardaani
It reveals how human trafficking and the exploitation of young girls are carried out, highlighting systemic failures and the urgent need for accountability.
The film also has two sequels that were released later in cinemas.
6.Chhapaak
It tells the story of an acid attack survivor fighting for justice and reclaiming her identity, drawing attention to violence against women and their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
7.English Vinglish
It presents a story of a homemaker who learns English to regain confidence and respect from her family, showing the emotional invisibility many women experience within domestic roles.
8.Mom
Powerfully portrays a mother’s relentless pursuit of justice after her daughter becomes a victim of sexual assault.
The film highlights not only the trauma faced by survivors but also the emotional strength and moral courage of women who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.
9.Panga
It Highlights the challenges of balancing motherhood with professional ambition.
Challenging that a woman’s aspirations must end after marriage or childbirth.
10.Assi
Assi is a hard-hitting social drama that addresses the realities of sexual violence, consent, and the struggle for justice faced by women in contemporary society.
Starring Taapsee Pannu in a powerful central role, the film explores how survivors are often forced to fight not just their perpetrators, but also a deeply flawed system and a judgmental society.
Assi challenges the culture of victim-blaming and reinforces the idea that a woman’s choices, lifestyle, or past can never justify violence against her.
Through its intense narrative and courtroom-driven storytelling, the film highlights how consent remains non-negotiable under all circumstances.
More than just a legal drama, Assi serves as a strong commentary on accountability, gender bias, and the urgent need for a more sensitive and responsive justice system for women.
11.Padman
It showed how hygiene is important for Women’s in the society.
It highlights the lack of access to affordable sanitary products for women, especially in rural areas.
The film brings attention to menstrual hygiene, women’s health, and the stigma that often forces women to suffer in silence.
12. Mrs
Mrs. is a compelling social drama that highlights the everyday challenges faced by women in traditional households.
The film stars Sanya Malhotra as Richa, a trained dancer who, after marriage, finds herself confined to relentless household duties and expected to uphold regressive gender roles.
Through Richa’s journey, Mrs. exposes the subtle yet deep-rooted patriarchy that often dismisses a woman’s dreams, individuality, and aspirations in favor of domestic obedience.
Even routine tasks become symbols of unappreciated labor, and the film draws attention to how emotional neglect, lack of gratitude, and stereotypical expectations can erode self-worth
While the narrative reflects familiar real-life situations, it also encourages audiences to question societal norms that limit women’s choices and to recognize the value of respect, autonomy, and mutual support within families.
