Bollywood has long been criticized for its male-dominated storytelling, where women often played the role of the love interest, the damsel in distress, or the supporting figure in a hero’s journey. However, in recent years, and particularly in the 2024-2025 period, Bollywood has witnessed a significant resurgence of women-led films that do not just cater to niche audiences but command mainstream attention. This new wave of female-driven narratives is not limited to a single genre—ranging from action-packed patriotic thrillers to socially relevant dramas, flamboyant entertainers, and emotionally charged family sagas, women in Bollywood are finally being seen in all their shades.
Breaking the Mold: The Evolution of Female Protagonists
Unlike earlier trends where actresses primarily headlined films with a strong feminist or women-centric message, today’s leading ladies are embracing a vast spectrum of characters. They are not limiting themselves to one kind of content but are actively participating in mainstream blockbusters while ensuring the depth of their characters remains intact. In 2024-2025, Bollywood presented a variety of female protagonists, proving that their stories are as compelling, engaging, and commercially viable as those of their male counterparts.
Ambition and Aspirations: The Women of Crew
One of the biggest highlights of 2024 was Crew, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon. The film, which blended humor, crime, and drama, depicted three ambitious women navigating their way through a high-stakes airline heist. Unlike conventional heist films where male actors dominate the narrative, Crew put women at the center of the action. It was a refreshing change that combined entertainment with a strong message of financial independence and resilience, proving that women, too, can be larger-than-life characters pulling off audacious plans.
Patriotic Icons: Article 370 and the Power of Women in Uniform
The resurgence of female-led films is also evident in the patriotic action genre, which was earlier the stronghold of male superstars. Article 370 proved to be a game-changer, with Yami Gautam in the lead role as an intelligence officer determined to execute a historic mission. The film, based on real-life events surrounding the abrogation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status, showcased a powerful female protagonist holding her ground in a high-stakes, male-dominated profession. Yami’s performance, coupled with the film’s gripping narrative, made it a standout success.
Defying the System: Laapataa Ladies and Bhakshak
Films like Laapataa Ladies and Bhakshak shed light on women taking on systemic oppression and challenging deeply ingrained social issues. Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, set in rural India, followed the journey of two young women navigating an unexpected turn of fate that challenged patriarchal traditions. The film’s subtle yet powerful storytelling resonated widely, making it a critically acclaimed success.
On the other hand, Bhakshak, featuring Bhumi Pednekar, tackled the grim reality of sexual violence and corruption. Inspired by true events, the film depicted a journalist’s relentless fight to expose a heinous crime in a state-run shelter home. Both films reminded audiences that women-led narratives can be powerful, hard-hitting, and socially relevant while still being entertaining.
Challenging Society: Mrs. and Vedaa
While some films focused on exposing societal flaws, others showcased women directly challenging and fighting back against them. Mrs., starring Sanya Malhotra, took a stand against gender roles in marriage and the struggle of a housewife reclaiming her identity. The film was a thought-provoking take on the societal expectations placed on women in a patriarchal setup.
Similarly, Vedaa, starring Sharvari Wagh, depicted a woman’s journey against an oppressive system. The film had elements of revenge, rebellion, and resilience, portraying its lead character as a force of nature who refused to bow down to societal constraints.
Going to Any Extent for Family: Jigra and Do Patti
In Bollywood, stories about familial bonds often revolve around male protagonists. However, in Jigra and Do Patti, we saw female leads take center stage in emotional and action-packed narratives centered around family.
Alia Bhatt’s Jigra was a poignant story about a sister’s determination to protect her sibling at any cost. The film blended action, drama, and strong emotional beats, proving that women can be just as compelling in intense, action-driven roles.
Similarly, Do Patti, starring Kajol and Kriti Sanon, took audiences on a gripping journey of two women caught in a web of mystery and vengeance. The film beautifully balanced suspense and drama, showcasing the complexities of their characters while emphasizing their strength and resilience.
Flamboyant and Fearless: Dhoom Dhaam
Not all female-led films of 2024-2025 were heavy and dramatic; some were simply fun and vibrant. Dhoom Dhaam, with Rashmika Mandanna leading the charge, was an unapologetically flamboyant entertainer. The film embraced a colorful, high-energy narrative where the female protagonist was bold, dynamic, and adventurous. Dhoom Dhaam demonstrated that women-led films can also be lighthearted crowd-pleasers, breaking the stereotype that female-driven stories must always be serious or issue-based.
The resurgence of women-led films signifies a monumental shift in Bollywood’s approach to female narratives. The success of these films proves that audiences are ready to embrace diverse female characters beyond the traditional romantic interest or sidekick roles. More importantly, mainstream actresses are no longer restricting themselves to one kind of content; they are diversifying their film choices and ensuring that their roles carry weight in the overall narrative.
Moreover, the box-office performance and critical acclaim of these films are encouraging producers and directors to invest in stories where women take center stage. Actresses like Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, and Yami Gautam are actively producing or backing female-driven films, showing that women in Bollywood are not just acting but also shaping the stories being told.
