From Alia Bhatt to Taapsee Pannu, women will rule Bollywood in 2021 with big hits

Ruhi Gilder
After a year of limited theatrical releases, Bollywood is back with a bang. The lineup for this year’s films includes stories with strong female leads. In honour of International Women’s Day, we’ve got some upcoming women-centric Bollywood movies for you to look forward to in 2021.  
Gangubai Kathiawadi

 

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Who can draw their eyes away from the sight that is Alia Bhatt in all her resplendent glory as Gangubai. Set to release on July 30, this Sanjay Leela Bhansali film trailer has all the makings of a classic period drama, with all the frills and thrills SLB is known for. In this biological crime story, Bhatt plays the madam of a brothel in Kamathipura, Mumbai’s notorious red-light district 
Pagglait

 

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Sanya Malhotra plays the part of a young widow whose husband dies just a few months into their marriage in this heartwarming film set to be released on March 26, 2021 on Netflix. Written and directed by Umesh Bist, it’s a story of a woman on a path of self-discovery and her journey amidst surprising revelations and hard decisions 
Thalaivi

 

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Based on the life of J. Jayalalithaa, politician and film actress who served six terms as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thalaivi stars Kanagana Ranaut in the lead. The film’s shooting was halted due to the pandemic but is now scheduled for release on April 23, 2021 
Dhaakad
Photo Courtesy: Kangana Ranaut / Instagram
Another Kangana Ranaut starrer, action film Dhaakad’s cast also includes Arjun Rampal and Divya Dutta. The film has been termed by Ranaut as ‘India’s first female-led action thriller’ and will have a theatrical release on October 1, 2021. The actress plays the character of Agent Agni, whereas Rampal is the main antagonist in the film, all the action lovers out there, this is one you don’t wanna miss! 
Shabaash Mithu
Photo Courtesy: Taapsee Pannu / Twitter
Biographies seem to be the flavour of the season in Bollywood, and this Taapsee Pannu starrer is made for cricket buffs everywhere. With Pannu in the lead role, the movie focuses on the life of Indian cricketer Mithali Raj, the ODI Captain for the Women in Blue. It charts her journey to success and is set to release later this year.  
Rashmi Rocket  
Photo Courtesy: Taapsee Pannu / Instagram
Poster girl for women-centric Bollywood filmsTaapsee Pannu leads the way, quite literally in this movie about an ace sprinter. Pannu plays the role of Rashmi, an ordinary village girl who dreams of competing in international racesThe film drew attention forthe actress’ amazing transformation and rigorous training. You go girl!  
Haseen Dilrubba

Set to release on 12 March, Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey star in this mystery thriller filmPannu calls her character in the film a self-obsessed borderline narcissist in a recent post. The film is shot in the locales of Mumbai and Haridwar.  

In the mood to watch a movie with a female lead this very weekend? Check out this list of new releases below.  
Natkhat
Photo Courtesy: Vidya Balan / Instagram
This 2020 Indian short film deserves a special mention as it is in the race for the Oscars 2021. The 33-minute film is directed by Shaan Vyas and stars Vidya Balan as a mother educating her young son about gender equality. It has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Short Film (Live Action) and first premiered on YouTube as part of the We Are One: A Global Film Festival 
Bawri Chhori
Photo Courtesy: Eros Now
Released on February 4, 2021, available for streaming on Eros Now, this Aahana Kumra starrer is a quirky slice of life film. About a woman who has been abandoned by her husband, and journeys to London to find him and get her revenge. Translating in English to Crazy Girl, Bawri Chhori is sure to take you on a crazy trip in 82 minutes.  
Girl on the Train
Photo Courtesy: Parineeti Chopra / Instagram
Parineeti Chopra stars in the lead role of this Netflix thriller, The Girl on the Train. Based on the book of the same name by Paula Hawkins, this movie has also been made in English with Emily Blunt in the lead. It tells the story of lawyer undergoing a tough time in her life, seeking solace in secretly sharing the life of a couple she observes on her train route every day. 
Tribhanga- Tedhi Medi Crazy
Photo Courtesy: Kajol / Instagram
Written and directed by Renuka Shahane, this film is about three generations of women. Starring Tanvi Azmi, Kajol and Mithila Palkar, the emotional family drama is all about women, and touches upon sensitive subjects like domestic violence and sexual assault. Watch it now on Netflix! 
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