From NH10 To Bulbbul, 5 Bollywood Films That Take You Into The World Of Suppressed Female Rage

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Whether it’s a love story or an action-packed flick, Bollywood movies are all about taking you on a wild ride. They’ve been known for going a bit overboard but hey, that’s what makes them unique, right? Lately there’s been a change in the way stories are told, bringing them closer to real life and art. With Women’s Day around the corner, let’s dive into films that break free from the usual boy-meets-girl plot. I’m talking about the untapped power of suppressed female rage—what makes these movies tick?

So why do these films resonate more with women than men? Some guys might scratch their heads at films like Bulbbul, but I say, step into the shoes of the woman in the story, give it another go. Those who’ve mastered that perspective ended up not just loving but truly ‘understanding’ the essence of the movie. Women have been playing second fiddle in films for ages, and if that’s been the norm for so long, it’s about time we had films shaking up the idea of the ‘perfect woman.’ They should’ve seen it coming, right? We love seeing women unleash their fury on the big screen, and why call it “suppressed?” Ask the women around you – they’ll let you in on why that word gets tacked on.

1. NH10 (2015)

Let’s dive into Anushka Sharma’s brilliance, shall we? NH10 is hands down one of her finest performances. Sure, playing the hero’s love interest is the norm, but the real deal is when you put women at the forefront. Anushka nails it in NH10. If you haven’t caught the movie yet, let me tell you, it’s a powerhouse portrayal of female rage in action. Meera played by Anushka Sharma finds her way through tough situations with her husband in tow as things take a dark turn. Directed by Navdeep Singh, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill crime thriller—it’s a deeper story, but you gotta put your thinking cap on to fully appreciate it!

Also Read: It’s Oscars Weekend! Here’s A List Of Films To Watch And Cheer For All The Incredible Women Nominated!

2. Darlings (2022)

Darlings is a must on the list, despite the hasty labelling it got. The story revolves around Badrunissa, a woman trapped in domestic abuse by her husband Hamza. As the plot unfolds, Badrunissa confronts the harsh reality that what she’s enduring isn’t love and decides to take matters into her own hands. The narrative takes unexpected turns in the third act, leaving you questioning the events. Alia Bhatt, alongside Vijay Varma as Hamza, delivers a compelling performance. What stands out for me? It’s the character growth of the lead woman. Sure, for some, Darlings might seem a tad unreal, but let’s be real – we’ve seen guys light up the town for the women they love in Bollywood, and that’s yet to happen to you and me, right?

3. Kaahani (2012)

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh and headlined by Vidya Balan, Kaahani is a story of a pregnant woman in a quest to find her missing husband as she travels from Kolkata to London in search of him. As the plot unfolds, Vidya discovers there’s more to the story than meets the eye. This film stands out as one of the most poignant portrayals of suppressed female rage in Bollywood. Vidya Balan’s exceptional acting, coupled with Sujoy Ghosh’s direction, creates a seamless blend, offering an unconventional glimpse into a woman’s life.

4. Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016)

Why does Lipstick Under My Burkha earn its spot in the suppressed female rage lineup? Let’s first start with getting over the notion that female rage is confined to abuse or committing murders. It runs deeper than crime and action. Lipstick Under My Burkha is a story of four women portrayed by Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak, Aahana Kumra, and Plabita Borthakur, entangled in societal expectations and the ‘ideal woman’ rulebook. These four women find their way towards each other in the most unexpected ways as they grow in their personal lives on the side. Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava in 2016, this film pays homage to authentic and unfiltered femininity, showcasing how these women rebel against societal constraints through subtle acts of defiance.

Also Read: Oscars 2021 Noms: Chloé Zhao, Emerald Fennell Join List Of Five Women Directors To Ever Get An Oscar ‘Best Director’ Nomination

5. Bulbbul (2020)

Anvita Dutt directed film– Bulbbul is a unique fusion of the supernatural and thriller genres that transcends most imaginations. Tripti Dimri takes the lead as Bulbbul, a girl who, after enduring the trauma of domestic and physical abuse, decides to mete out justice to the wrongdoers. Under Anvita Dutt’s direction, the film seamlessly blends revenge with supernatural storytelling, elevating it beyond typical audience expectations. Tripti’s performance in the film is nothing short of beautiful. The stellar background score and captivating visuals deserve special mention, creating an immersive experience that almost transports you into the movie set. It’s moments like these that make Bulbbul truly unforgettable.

Now that I’ve put my thoughts forward about these female-centric films, I hope for a future where women-centric films become the norm rather than being labelled as unrealistic just because they challenge conventions. This Women’s Day here’s to celebrating the diverse spectrum of feminine qualities, embracing both the socially accepted ones and the aspects that women, including the woman within me, might have kept hidden from the world.

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