2020 was the year of powerful movies like Chhapaak and Thappad which enjoyed theatrical releases. Meanwhile, eponymous biopics like Shakuntala Devi and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl and other women-centric movies like Bulbbul released on OTT platforms. In 2021, expect another solid batch of female centric films. Here are some you need to flag off.
Saina
Based on the life of India's first shuttler to win an Olympic medal, the biopic is directed by Amole Gupte. Parineeti Chopra will portray Saina Nehwal's character in the movie whereas Manav Kaul will play the role of her esteemed coach, P. Gopichand. Paresh Rawal will don the role of the ace badminton player's father. Initially set to release in March 2020, it got delayed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Although the project was first taken up by Shraddha Kapoor, she was replaced by Parineeti Chopra due to former's tight schedule. Nevertheless, Parineeti Chopra has put immense efforts in order to flawlessly play the role, which could be seen in various photos released on social media during the film's shooting. Furthermore, Saina herself shared photos of the actor's look in the movie on Instagram.
Dhaakad
The upcoming action-drama movie stars Kangana Ranaut as the main lead in this Razneesh Ghai's directorial project. Like many other films, it was supposed to release in 2020, but got delayed due to the pandemic. The teaser of the movie was released back in 2019, which showed Kangana's 'feisty and fierce' avatar and 'was ready to set all guns ablaze!' Recently, Arjun Rampal joined the cast of the movie. Moreover, Kangana tweeted about the New Year brunch she hosted for the team of the movie.
New Year brunch for the team of #Dhaakad by @KanganaTeam ❤️@RazyGhai @AsylumFilms @sohelmaklai @sohailmaklai @writish #ChintanGandhi pic.twitter.com/b1SL8VgI3o
— Dhaakad Movie (@DhaakadTheMovie) January 1, 2021
Shabaash Mithu
Directed by Rahul Dholakia and written by Priya Aven, the upcoming sports biopic is based on the life of Mithali Raj and her struggles to become the celebrated Indian Women’s Cricket Team captain. It stars Taapsee Pannu as the cricketer. Taapsee prepared really hard for the role as she had to step out of her comfort zone. The film will release on February 5, 2021. Furthermore, Taapsee shared the first poster of the movie back in January 2020.
“I have always been asked who’s your favourite male cricketer but you should ask them who their favourite female cricketer is.” The statement that made every cricket lover pause n introspect that do they love the game or the gender playing it.@M_Raj03 you are a ‘Game Changer’ pic.twitter.com/2VlxYpXmSM
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) January 29, 2020
Rashmi Rocket
Another upcoming sports drama starring Taapsee Pannu, it is directed by Akash Khurana and also stars Priyanshu Painyuli. The plot of the movie revolves around a sprinter from a small village in Gujarat. The film is expected to release in 2021. Taapsee underwent a major physical transformation to play the role; from strict and natural diet to vigorous training sessions. She posted a video capturing the entire process on Instagram two weeks back. Read more about it here.
Also Read: Taapsee Pannu Wraps Up Rashmi Rocket Ranchi Schedule With An Ode To Real Athletes
Sherni
The upcoming Vidya Balan starrer is directed by Amit Masurkar. Although the film was announced back in February 2020, the shooting was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film will revolve around the 'Man v/s Wild' conflict and will focus on many real-life stories too. Vidya Balan will reportedly play the role of a forest officer. The shooting of the movie resumed in October 2020.
Thalaivi
Another biopic in 2021, based on the life of Tamil dancer, actor and politician J. Jayalalithaa, is another delayed release. The film will release in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. It stars Kangana Ranaut as the six-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The film is directed by A.L Vijay. Furthermore, The teaser of the movie was released in November 2019 where she looked unrecognisable with her transformation for the role.
The legend we know, but the story that is yet to be told!
Presenting #KanganaRanaut, in & as #Thalaivi. A film by #Vijay, arriving in cinemas on 26th June, 2020@KanganaTeam @vishinduri @ShaaileshRSingh @BrindaPrasad1 @KarmaMediaEnt @TSeries @vibri_media pic.twitter.com/lTLtcq0bsd— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) November 23, 2019
Tribhanga: Tedhi Medhi Crazy
The upcoming Netflix drama based on social issues is all set to release on January 15, 2021. It stars Kajol, Tanvi Azmi and Mithila Palkar in the lead roles, and marks Kajol's web debut. It will revolve around the lives of three women belonging to different generations. The film is directed and written by Renuka Shahane. Furthermore, the trailer of the movie was released on January 1, 2021 and shared by the team on various social media platforms.
Tribhanga, matlab, tedhi, medhi, crazy, but sexy. #Tribhanga, premieres 15 January, only on Netflix. @ajaydevgn @ADFFilms @Banijayasia @deepak30000 @NegiR @AlchemyFilms @sidpmalhotra @ParagDesai @mipalkar @renukash @Meena_Iyer @KumarMangat @netflix pic.twitter.com/cfPYloOsI1
— Kajol (@itsKajolD) January 1, 2021
Gangubai Kathiawadi
Sanjay Leela Bhansali roped in Alia Bhatt for the adaptation of the novel Mafia Queens Of Mumbai by Hussain Zaidi. One of the many biopics to be released this year, it will narrate the life of Gangubai Kothewali, the famous madam of a brothel in Kamathipura. The protagonist was sold off to prostitution by her boyfriend. She tremendously struggled in her life and eventually became a matriarch in a brothel and ensured the well-being of the sex workers. Furthermore, she was one of the most influential brothel-keepers in Mumbai and had various underworld connections as well. The filming began back in 2019, but was halted in March 2020.
Also Read: Gangubai Kathiawadi Film Is A Story Of The Mafia Queen of Mumbai
Tejas
Third of Kangana Ranaut's releases this year, Tejas will revolve around a brave and fierce fighter pilot in Indian Air Force played by Kangana herself. The shooting of the movie reportedly started in December last year. It is a directorial project of Sarvesh Mewara. Moreover, the producers of Uri: The Surgical Strike have produced the film. Kangana shared the first look of the movie in August 2020.
#Tejas to take-off this December! ✈️ Proud to be part of this exhilarating story that is an ode to our brave airforce pilots! Jai Hind 🇮🇳 #FridaysWithRSVP@sarveshmewara1 @RonnieScrewvala @rsvpmovies @nonabains pic.twitter.com/2XC2FgnQKb
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) August 28, 2020
Haseen Dilrubba
Haseen Dilrubba is an upcoming mystery thriller starring Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey and Harshvardhan Rane. The movie is directed by Vinil Mathew and produced by renowned filmmaker Annand L. Rai. The story revolves around a murder mystery along with a strange love story. The shooting of the movie was wrapped up in October 2020. Furthermore, Taapsee unveiled the first poster of the film back in December 2019.
Also Read: 5 changes in Bollywood films we need to see in 2021