Twelve Underrated Women Centered Films That You Must Put On Your Watch List

One would really like to see more attention to women led films in Bollywood. Women in strong roles, many films that come with an impactful message for society and those that are spotlighting very critical issues of our times. We take a look at the last three decades and pick some of the most powerful portrayals of women which were ahead of their times. While they did not succeed commercially, they created a stir across the Indian film industry and among audiences for subjects they spoke of. We turn back time to look at such movies which will forever remain bold in history.

From stereotypes to desires, these films fearlessly spoke about what is considered taboo. But unfortunately, these movies did not get the appropriate propaganda and exposure. Here is the list of such 12 underrated women centred films of all times that are worth watching.

1. Margarita With A Straw
   Kalki Kochlin plays Laila, a confident lady with cerebral palsy in this 2014 film. The movie features Laila's determination and strong will to live life freely despite of being wheelchair bound and is very clear about her goals, desires and sexuality.
2. Water
   Water is about the life of a group of Hindu widows, including a seven-year-old, who are sent to an ashram to live a life that widows are supposed to traditionally. The movie talks about misogyny, flawed religious practices, paedophilia, superstitions and patriarchy.
3. Aaina
   Released in 1975, the movie features Mumtaz as a Brahmin girl who is forced into prostitution because of the poor financial conditions of her family. The movie did not become much popular as people at that time did not want to see actresses as sex-workers.
4. Parched
   Released in 2015, Parched is the story of a four women and their struggles with society evils like patriarchy, child marriage, dowry, marital rape and many other. Starring Radhika Apte, Surveen Chawla, Tannishtha Chatterjee premiered at 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.

   Still from the film Parched.

5. Bhavna
   In this 1984 film by the legendary actress Shabana Azmi, the female protagonist's thoughts and views are ahead of her times. The movie is about the struggles of a pregnant Bhavna with betrayal and murder accusations.
6. Aruvi
   This 2017 Tamil movie was about a fictional female character and her struggle after contracting HIV during an accident. Her loving family does not believe her when she says she didn't have pre-marital sex and the society took advantage of her. The plot, music, cinematography are really great in the movie.
7. Doosri Sita
   Doosri Sita was released in 1974 and it stars Jaya Bhaduri in lead role. The plot of the film is about a woman Sita who is forced to marry a rogue. A pregnant Sita murders her husband and denies so in court trial.
8. Pink
   The Tapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Amitabh Bachchan is about molestation and rape and how the women in society are considered available based on their clothes. The movie is about three women and a night out that goes terribly bad.
9. Lipstick Under My Burkha
   A great story, a great cast and real struggles. The movie is about the secret lives of four women. These women live their secret lives freely, doing what they want and desire and not what they are supposed to by the society
10. Matrubhoomi : A World Without Women
    This movie is about a society that strives on the principle of male chauvinism and on the idea that women are just sex object. The movie is extremely disturbing but it makes us aware of the toxic reality of the male dominant world.
11. Angry Indian Goddesses
    Angry Indian Goddesses displays hoe the society looks at women who are opinionated and vocal. The society likes women who stick by the bounding traditional norms and completely disregard the idea of a woman who wants to live the way she wants.

    Photo credit: Angry Indian Goddesses

12. Mirch Masala
    This movie is one of the great movies by actress Smita Patil and her performance was listed in Forbes "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema" list. Released in 1987, the movie is about a confident and strong lady who is determined to go against her oppressor.

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