Priyanka Tiwari
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After years of fleecing, women in Bollywood fought for their due roles over the years and when given the chance, provided not only stellar performances, but also broke box office records. To commemorate this International Women's Day in 2025, let’s acknowledge the films that put women at the center and proved that female-centric narratives can not only perform well, but become hugely profitable. These 5 films not only won hearts but also earned tremendous revenue around the globe.
1. Secret Superstar (2017): Rs 912.75 crores
A teenaged girl, a dream, and the battle against societal hurdles - Secret Superstar emerged as an unforeseen global spectacle. Starring Zaira Wasim as the extraordinarily talented Insia, the film narrated the tale of a girl who dared to follow her passion for singing in the face of a conservative family. What was special? The unprocessed, emotional bond and a candid perspective towards domestic violence. Of course, we can’t forget Aamir Khan’s delightful over-the-top act of a music producer as it added more charm to the movie. The movie's earnings were immensely driven by the enormous success in China, where the audiences deeply associated with the story - making it India’s highest-grossing female-centric film of all time.
2. The Kerala Story (2023) – Rs 302 crore
The heart-wrenching drama of The Kerala Story spearheaded a nationwide debate owing to its representation of human trafficking and radicalization. Adah Sharma’s vivid portrayal of the central character’s tumoil enforced the audience’s compassion for those victimized due to the inhumane transgressions within our society. Even amidst bans and protests, the raw storytelling proved to resonate with numerous audiences across the globe.
With such controversial subjects, the movie was bound to pale in comparison to other box office glories so it's impressive that it was able to claw its way to the top for 2023.
3. Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015) – Rs 258 crore
You can always count on bollywood to deliver quality content when Tanu Weds Manu Returns sets out to break the classical sequel curse. Kangana as the sweet sophomore stood in stark contrast to her elder counterpart which proved to establish her dominance over the role. In addition to romance and comedy, the melodrama along with numerous hit songs endeared the film to the viewers.
Of course, the reason that pull all the stoppers on this was the female protagonist’s sultry and exuberant persona that burst into free-spirited magic. That’s what made it the highest box office Bollywood female lead movie until now.
4. Hichki (2018) – Rs 236.48 crore
Who could have thought that a story revolving around a teacher battling Tourette syndrome would resonate deeply with people around the globe? Rani Mukerji’s Hichki is a testament to how emotionally rich performances combined with purposeful narratives can work wonders at the box office. Based on a true events, it tells the story of Naina Mathur, a teacher who transforms her weakness into a strength and proves that with grit and faith, mountains can be moved.
5. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) – Rs 211.5 crore
To say that Alia Bhatt's portrayal of Gangubai was legendary would be an understatement. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s suitably epic vision remade Bhatt into this fierce woman who claimed her place in the world with unmatched tenacity. While the stunning visuals of the film captivated the audience, the powerful monologues coupled with a protagonist who radiated confidence is what made Gangubai Kathiawadi an unforgettable masterpiece.
Revamping the term ‘Bollywood fiction,’ the audience didn’t just sit and watch the movie, they were living every moment of it, thus, leading to an astonishing revenue collection of 211.5 crore rupees at the box office and forever etching in people’s heart an unforgettable character who changed the perception of a Bollywood heroine.
The films led by women’s superstars are no longer an absurd risk at the Indian box office. With well crafted characters and compelling stories, women in Bollywood time and again prove their ability to amplify the success of the film industry. We appreciate more compelling narratives on the 2025 Women’s Day where women dont serve as love interests or supporting characters, but as the very essence of the story. The magic that unfolds upon the screen and beyond is absolutely astonishing.
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