In the cinematic landscape of 2023, blockbuster films featuring dominant male protagonists such as “Jawan,” “Pathaan,” “Gadar 2,” and “Animal” significantly contributed to Bollywood’s staggering ₹11,000 crore success at the box office. Amidst the robust male-led narratives, women-led films managed to carve a niche for themselves, proving their mettle.
Noteworthy among these triumphs was “The Kerala Story,” narrating the journey of an aspiring nurse coerced into extremism. With earnings amounting to ₹242 crore in India, the film made history by surpassing the lifetime domestic net collections of iconic female-led films like “Tanu Weds Manu Returns” (₹150 crore) and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” (₹132 crore). Other films, such as “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway,” “Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery,” “Tejas,” and “Dhak Dhak,” also featured strong female protagonists, contributing to the diversity of narratives on screen.
One standout success was “The Kerala Story,” hailed as the highest-grossing female-led film of all time. Adah Sharma, reflecting on the film’s impact, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from audiences. She hoped that this success would pave the way for more opportunities for actresses in Indian cinema.
Actress Vidya Balan weighed in on the evolving tastes of the female audience, emphasizing a shift away from traditional gender portrayals on screen. According to film business analyst Girish Johar, the industry has witnessed a significant change, with films and web series led by women becoming more commonplace.
Further diversifying the cinematic landscape were films like “Dhak Dhak,” where Fatima Sana Shaikh highlighted the positive trend of actors being appreciated regardless of gender. Kareena Kapoor Khan expressed her desire to explore different roles beyond her iconic characters, emphasizing the challenges of breaking away from established perceptions.
Radhika Madan, Nimrat Kaur, and Rani Mukerji shared their experiences working on projects that showcased strong and empowering women. Madan spoke about the emotional journey in portraying her character in “Sanaa,” while Kaur appreciated the unique philosophy and politics depicted in “Sajini Shinde,” considering it one of her most loved performances.
In a video chat ahead of her film’s release, Mukerji acknowledged her inclination towards stories featuring resilient women, expressing inspiration and motivation when presented with such narratives.
The success of these women-led films in 2023 not only added diversity to the cinematic landscape but also signaled a positive shift in audience preferences, paving the way for more opportunities for actresses in the Indian film industry.
