Feminist Films Which Smashed Stereotypes In 2018

Some films offer more than just entertainment. Based on vital issues, they not only make powerful  statements but also manage to grab the attention of the audience significantly. Let's take a look at some of Bollywood's most powerful feminist films which shattered stereotypes in 2018.

Manmarziyaan

Manmarziyaan created quite a stir post release. The film, which shattered more stereotypes than one, was layered and truthful when it came to its characters and their personality revelations. Whether it was the in-depth exploration of modern day love, the unapologetic character portrayals, or the mistakes made in matters of the heart, everything about the film connected with the audience.

The most defining thing, however, about the film was Rumi -- an unapologetic feminist. The character was not someone who was designed to live up to the societal standards or expectations. Here, we saw a woman going all out, leaping across the boundaries of her world. The most striking part about the writing and direction was that they made the female character decide and do what makes her happy. Written by Kanika Dhillon and directed by Anurag Kashyap, the film featured Taapsee Pannu, Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal in the lead roles.

Badhaai Ho

Neena Gupta and Ayushmann Khurrana in Badhaai Ho

Badhaai Ho, with its unconventional story, created a dialogue which the society should have long back acknowledged. This October release revolved around the sex life of a fifty-something couple and how they deal with family and the society when the "good news" comes their way. The Neena Gupta, Gajraj Rao and Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer made headlines throughout and helped start an important conversation that people usually shy away from.

Neena Gupta, who played the integral character, helped engage the audience with an unconventional subject. Apart from the positive reviews and a great box office collection, the film featured some great performances by the actors. Certainly, Badhaai Ho was the most unconventional film this year which addressed stereotypes in the most hilarious way. The film was written by Akshat Ghildial and directed by Amit Sharma.

Veere Di Wedding

Veere Di Wedding

The remarkable acceptance and success of Veere Di Wedding proved that it's the good script and strong performances which make a film work. The four female leads - Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania - defied several stereotypes and how! The film, which crossed the Rs 100 crore mark worldwide, proved that Bollywood can offer more than just bromances. Veere featured some great performances, showcasing a terrific female bonding and women discussing about their issues and way of life. Above all, the story showed how women, abashedly and unapologetically, can and should make it on their own. Veere was written by Nidhi Mehra and Mehul Suri, and directed by Shashanka Ghosh.

Pad Man

Padman Akshay Kumar

This R Balki directed film narrates the real life story of Arunachalam Muruganantham. Muruganantham is a social entrepreneur, who invented low-cost sanitary napkins in India. The man, with his conviction, continued working despite huge opposition and humiliation that came along the way.

The inspiring narrative, written by R. Balki and Swanand Kirkire, broke taboos surrounding menstruation, busting religious and age-old beliefs of people around. The film starring, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte and Akshay Kumar, has definitely left a deep impact on people’s minds and lives.

Stree

Between laughs and fear, Stree offers a touch of gender sensitivity The film, with an ironic touch, makes men go through the physical and mental trauma that women face in their lives. The writers, Raj and DK, have very significantly weaved gender dynamics and small-town superstition into the storyline. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film's dialogues have greatly appealed to the audience, touching aspects of present day reality in the country.

Fanney Khan

Fanney Khan is a story about hopes, dreams, relationships, family and body shaming. It’s about a father who dotes on his daughter and goes all out to make her a singing sensation. The film shows how the daughter is body shamed time and again because of her weight. Fanney Khan also reflects how body image has become a huge part of the society. The film also points out the reality of how youngsters are constantly pressured by the whole idea of becoming famous. It's the film's climax which features a song sparking a thought about how one can cannot be defined by mere looks. There's more to a person than just one aspect. The film, written by Hussain Dalal and directed by Atul Manjrekar, successfully managed to show that.

Also Read: Bollywood Films This Year That Gave Out Strong Messages

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