5 Strong Women-Oriented Films Of 2021

 In a  year that is destined  to dominated by the dudes , some strong women-oriented  films will also make their way into theatres and the  OTT platform

1.     Kajol in  Tribhanga:  Kajol has  done the  maximum number  of author-backed roles in recent times , from Dushman   in 1998 to Helicopter Eela in 2015. In  Tribhanga  Kajolhas the luxury of being the producer  . She  also has a very talented woman RenukhaShahane  to direct her. The last time Kajol was  directed by a woman –it was Tanuja  Chandra in Dushman—was  also the  first time. In Tribhanga  she will be joined by two other very talented actresses. But make no mistake. This is Kajol’s film all the way. To be released on  15  January.

2.     Richa Chadha in Madam Prime  Minister:  Playing the woman from a weaker section of society who rises  to the ranks of  the state  Chief Minister Richa Chadha has given her all , and then some more, to Madam Prime Minister. One of her co-stars from the film told me, “It’s a showcase for  her. We men are mere props.” About time.Women have played props in Hindi cinema for decades. To be released on January 22.

3.     Deepika Padukone  in Shakun Batra’s Untitled  film: Although Batra’s  film hasSiddharth Chaturvedi and Ananya  Pandey in the cast this is Deepika Padukone’s show all the way. In fact I am told the  film was written specially for her since  producer KaranJohar wanted to work with her  for the longest time. Deepika rejected everything Karanoffered  her until this came  along. She is one  female actor who commands as  much  footage  and  moolah as the  male superstars.Release date  February 12.

4.     Alia  Bhatt In Gangubai Kathiawadi:  From the first frame to last , Alia  lords over the proceedings  of this Sanjay Leela Bhansali  film like a queen. Bhansali has earlier  done magic  with  heroine-oriented subjects in Khamoshi(Manisha  Koirala), Black(Rani Mukherjee)   and Padmaavat(Deepika Padukone). Even Devdas was more  the ladies Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s film.To be released around Diwali.

5.     Taapsee Pannu in Rashmi Rocket:  Taapsee has by now become the face  of  the Female Hero in Bollywood. She returns to the forefront playing a sprinter from Gujarat who  rises from running around  the  gullies of Kutch to national and international racetracks. AkarshKhurana  directs this sports film to be released in the second-half  of 2021.