Last year saw a handful of powerful women-centric films in Bollywood. From female sexuality, patriarchy, abuse, and ambitions, the films dealt with a variety of subjects. 2018, too, opened to a few spectacular performances by women and films that addressed subjects relating to women.
While Padman featured a man's struggle to spread awareness about menstrual hygiene, and introduce rural women to sanitary napkins, the controversial Padmaavat was an ode to the valour of Rajput queen Rani Padmini. Anushka Sharma's horror flick Pari which released last week, has also been received well.
The year promises a few more films with prominent female protagonists. This Women's Day, take a look at what is in store for the year for women in Bollywood.
Hichki: With Hichki, Rani Mukerji returns to the silver screen after a hiatus. She essays a teacher suffering from Tourette Syndrome, a neuropsychiatric disorder. Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, the film is an adaptation of Hollywood film Front of the Class. An inspiring and moving story of the teacher's struggles, the film is set to release on March 23.
Manikarnika—the Queen of Jhansi: After Deepika Padukone's Padmaavat, Manikarnika starring Kangana Ranaut is the next controversial release of the year. The epic biographical film based on the life of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, is directed by Telugu filmmaker Krish. Manikarnika has come in the line of fire after members of Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha raised objections over the film alleging it features a romantic scene between Rani Laxmibai and a British East India company agent. The films could turn out to be one of Kangana's career bests. The official release date has not been confirmed.
Veere Di Wedding: Four women—Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and newcomer Shikha Talsania—are all set to rock on this all-women entertainer. The first look of the film showed the women, dressed in vibrant colours, getting ready for a grand wedding. Another poster showed the women, dressed in sherwanis, dancing their hearts out. The film, which will release on June 1.
Raazi: Meghna Gulzar's period film Raazi will feature Alia Bhatt in totally different avatar. Alia is playing Sehmat, a Kashmiri woman who marries a Pakistani officer with the intention to source out intelligence details and pass it off to Indian forces. Vicky Kaushal essays the role of the Pakistani officer. Raazi is expected to release on May 11.