Sridevi’s ‘English Vinglish’, Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Panga’ to Taapsee Pannu’s ‘Thappad’: 10 inspiring movies to watch on International Women’s Day

Every once in a while filmmakers in Bollywood come out with movies like, ‘English Vinglish’, ‘Panga’, or ‘Thappad’ that breaks the mould. However, women-led films are still a rare phenomenon. Of late, Bollywood has been producing a string of female-centric films that deal with female sexuality, patriarchy, ambitions, passion, and abuse.

From Sridevi’s ‘English Vinglish’, Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Panga’ to Taapsee Pannu’s latest release, ‘Thappad’, here we give you a rundown of ten inspiring films that you can binge-watch on International Women’s Day!

Anubhav Sinha’s recently released film, ‘Thappad’ starring Taapsee Pannu is about a woman who re-evaluates her marriage after her husband slaps her in the face in front of a group of people at a party.

With some gripping dialogues and power-packed performances, Taapsee managed to hook the audiences to the movie. ‘Thappad’ received positive reviews from the audience and critics alike. This film is a must-watch on International Women’s Day.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari teamed up with actress Kangana Ranaut for ‘Panga’. The film is inspired by the life of a national level Kabbadi player from India. It follows her triumphs, struggles and overcoming of stereotypes and reflecting upon the importance of love and family support to become successful.

Kangana Ranaut's power-packed performance and an inspiring and relatable storyline make the film a must-watch on Women’s Day. It is a salute to all women who are brave enough to follow their dreams and become successful.

Rani Mukerji impressed one and all with her power-packed performance in her cop-thriller ‘Mardaani’. In the film, Shivani, a brilliant, no-nonsense policewoman searches for a missing teenage girl which leads her to the depraved world of child trafficking. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game between the officer and a mafia kingpin.

Rani’s stellar performance and the film’s gripping storyline will keep you hooked to the movie right till the end. The movie is a perfect tribute to all the brave ladies out there on this Women’s Day.

A simple story of a housewife who goes on to become one of the most loved radio jockeys won the heart of millions of people. Vidya Balan’s natural-yet-brilliant performance in the movie as, ‘Sulu’ is sure to make you smile.

The movie is a joy ride that one must try. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry but more than anything else it will teach you to believe in yourself and follow your heart. It is definitely on the list of your Women’s Day binge watch.

This patriotic and entertaining war drama starring Kangana Ranaut is the perfect Women’s Day tribute to the Queen of Jhansi who fought against the British East India Company, during the Indian rebellion of 1857.

Kangana once again treats us with her brilliant performances in the film. The film celebrates the glorious life of Rani Laxmibai and it is a must-watch on Women’s Day.

Director Alankrita Srivastava’s bold attempt to redraw the boundaries of women in our Indian society not only gained appreciation from the audience but critics alike.

Actors like Ratna Pathak, Aahana Kumra, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vikrant Massey, and others impressed everyone with their stellar performances. The movie is a perfect tribute to the changing times and changing attitude towards women in the society.

‘Mary Kom’ is Priyanka Chopra’s attempt at bringing to light the glorious life of female Indian boxer, Mary Kom. The film is all about her sharing her boxing aspirations with her coach and convincing him to teach her. Despite her father's disapproval, she follows her passion.

The movie is inspirational in every way and it is sure to leave you motivated to achieve your goals.

Taapsee Pannu and Amitabh Bachchan teamed up to give us an edge-of-seat movie with ‘Pink’. The movie shows Amitabh Bachchan as a lawyer who helps the female lead characters in the movie to fight a high profile case of molestation.

The movie made the message, ‘No means No’ reach far and wide. The movie not only gained appreciations from the audience but critics as well.

This is yet again a simple story with a big inspiring message. Late actress Sridevi played the role of a housewife and caterer who is usually mocked by her family for not knowing English. Her attempt to learn the language helps her rediscover herself and reassert her value as a mother and a wife.

The movie will not only motivate you to follow your passion but also help you to dream big and achieve it. Sridevi’s impeccable performance in the film is simply unmissable.

Treat yourself with Kangana Ranaut’s career-defining film, ‘Queen’. The movie of a girl who is devastated after her fiancé leaves her just before the wedding is quite relatable to many out there. Despite everything, she decides to go on their honeymoon alone where she gets pulled out of her comfort zone and rediscovers herself.

The movie speaks volumes about self-transformation and self-acceptance in women and it is surely the perfect movie to watch on the special occasion of International Women’s Day.