It’s been long overdue, but women-centric movies are finally making a mark. According to a study conducted by the research agency Shift7 and American talent and sports agency Creative Artists Agency, women-centric films are hugely advocated and carefully endorsed by moviegoers. The Guardian reported that “revenue for 350 high-grossing films released between 2014 and 2017 was assessed, and the average results for female-led films did best, at every budget level.”
The findings suggest there should be more women-led movies, hence we made a list of promising women-centric movies to look forward to:
Captain Marvel
Today's audiences crave films with powerful women characters and, directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck are giving us a technologically advanced Superhero that Marvel fans have been waiting for. Releasing on March 8 2019, Brie Larson, who won an Oscar for Room, plays Marvel’s most powerful Avenger (Oh, how disheartened Thor must be feeling!), Captain Marvel. It is high time to take the cap off of male Avengers and give the credits to a woman warrior. After a snap of Thanos' fingers in Avengers: Infinity War, we have a gut feeling that she is going to save the entire universe, including the eliminated Avengers.
Everything begins with a hero. Watch the brand-new trailer for @MarvelStudios’ Captain Marvel. In theaters March 8, 2019. pic.twitter.com/2rA2k8gDfk
— Captain Marvel (@captainmarvel) December 4, 2018
Star Wars: Episode IX
Brace yourselves because on December 20, Rey—played by Daisy Ridley—is back, and how! ‘Star Wars’ is coming back with another offering and it will restore some balance to the universe. Director JJ Abrams' only woman Jedi (in the entire franchise since 1977), the most reckoned Rey is the new force who will continue the fight alongside Poe and Finn. She completed her Jedi training under Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Although, the major attraction will be actress Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, appearing in unreleased footage from the last two movies. She passed away in 2016, and the trilogy’s conclusion will feature scenes of the legendary General which were originally filmed for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
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Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot-starrer ‘Wonder Woman 2’ has wrapped up shooting and has been creating a buzz already. In a still from the upcoming film, we see Gadot all suited up.
She's back... 🙅🏻♀️ #WW84 pic.twitter.com/gJLB4TyAAu
— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) June 16, 2018
It also marks the return of Steve Trevor in the sequel. Wonder Woman creators have been playfully teasing fans with teasers. Director Patty Jenkins’ upcoming film ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ will set forward from World War I to the Cold War in 1984. It will feature Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) against classic comic book villain Cheetah (Kristen Wiig), with Game of Thrones‘ Pedro Pascal joining the cast in a mysterious role. She will apparently fight the Soviet Union.
Wonder Woman 2 will premiere on November 1. Can Jenkins and Gadot recreate the magic again?
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga
Bollywood had us believe that movies with strong female leads didn’t sell. That was before Kahaani or Neerja of course! This year Sonam Kapoor is teaming up with Rajkummar Rao in lead roles, and giving us the breakthrough romantic drama written by Gazal Dhaliwal. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga talks about same-sex relationships and is set to release on February 1, 2019.
Excited about #EkLadkiKoDekhaTohAisaLaga - could it the first queer Indian love story to have a wide mainstream release post 377? Will have to wait a few weeks to know, but till then hats off dear @gazalstune @AnilKapoor @RajkummarRao @sonamakapoor 🌈 https://t.co/8dAI0A5j7s
— Parmesh Shahani (he/him) (@parmeshs) December 27, 2018
Manikarnika—The Queen of Jhansi
This year Kangana Ranaut, who makes her debut as a feature film director too, will be seen in Manikarnika—The Queen of Jhansi. Laxmibai the queen of Jhansi was the first woman warrior Queen and led the first war of independence against the British. The film is directed by National Award-winning Telugu director Krish and is scheduled for release on January 25, 2019.
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Also Read: 8 Actresses Who Took On Sexism In 2016
Shakeela
Richa Chadha, who is known for her choice of critically acclaimed roles, is essaying the role of Shakeela Khan. Richa is all set to portray the South film star, Shakeela, who was tagged as an adult film star in the late 90s, in the upcoming biopic. Helmed by the award-winning director Indrajit Lankesh, the film will tell the story of an actor, who broke all norms during her time in a male-dominated business.
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Dolly, Kitty, Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare
Konkona Sen Sharma and Alankrita Shrivastava are pairing again for an upcoming comical satire Dolly, Kitty, Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare. The Lipstick Under My Burkha fame director is bringing back her bold charm in the movie which also stars Bhumi Pednekar, Kubbra Sait and Vikrant Massey.
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Gunjan Saxena Biopic
A couple of days back the picture was shared online and we are hooked. Janhvi Kapoor will be featured in the role of Gunjan Saxena, the first Indian woman combat aviator who evacuated injured soldiers in the 1999 Kargil War.
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Saina Nehwal's Biopic
Making headlines since the start, Shraddha Kapoor-starrer biopic on badminton champion Saina Nehwal is already on the floor. Shraddha, who is playing the main character in the film, has been undergoing rigorous training for her role since last year. In between, there were rumours of her quitting the biopic. However, recently in a Twitter thread, it was confirmed that Amol Gupte’s Saina Nehwal biopic is finally happening.
Chhapaak
Deepika Padukone will be essaying the role of Laxmi Agarwal. Laxmi is an acid attack survivor turned activist. The film, titled Chhapaak will be helmed by Meghna Gulzar.
View this post on Instagram#Chhapaak @meghnagulzar @vikrantmassey87 @foxstarhindi
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What are the films you're waiting for? Share in the comment section below: