Liked Laapataa Ladies? Here are the other films with strong female characters you will love

Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies is surely on a roll. The praise that started pouring in after it was released in theatres on March 1 has turned into a Tsunami after it was dropped on Netflix on April 26. From Phool (Nitanshi Goel) and Deepak’s (Sparsh Srivastav) heart-melting love story to Ravi Kishan’s stellar performance and Jaya’s indomitable spirit to live her life on her terms – there are multiple high points of the film. However, it is perhaps the depiction of women's liberation in the backdrop of the Hindi heartland that has attracted the urban audience the most. The simple and rustic narration of feminism is nothing short of pure gold. Here, we have curated a list of other films with a real feminist heart that you will surely love.

Also read: Laapataa Ladies and Kathal are like the soothing rainfall during an intolerable summer | We thirst for more 

Top women-led films on OTT

Dor

You can watch it in SonyLIV and also on OTTplay Premium

This Nagesh Kukunoor directorial is an official adaptation of the Malayalam film Perumazhakkalam. The 2006 Hindi film features Ayesha Takia, Gul Panag, and Shreyash Talpade. Unknowingly, two women – one from Himachal Pradesh and one from Rajasthan – get connected through an unforeseen event. This simple tale delves into a string of love that brings two Indian rural women together under unusual circumstances. Sudeep Chatterjee, who has worked as the DOP of Heeramandi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and others, has done the camerawork in the film.

Astitva

You can watch it on Prime Video

This Marathi-Hindi language film, directed by Mahesh Manjarekar, featured Tabu, Namrata Shirodkar, Manish Behl, Sachin Khedekar, and others in key roles. The film starts when an elderly musician, played by Manish, gives his property to Aditi (Tabu) – his former student. The film explores the prevalence of male chauvinism, spousal abuse, and patriarchy in a regular Indian household.

Also read: Laapataa Ladies trends on No. 1 on Netflix, Kareena Kapoor Khan says, 'take a bow' 

Queen

You can watch it on Netflix

This Kangana Ranaut film is a treat to watch. After her groom calls off her wedding, Punjabi woman Rani goes on her honeymoon to Paris all by herself. It then becomes a story of exploration. A traditional Indian woman who grew up in a conservative family discovers the freedom of choices and life.

English Vinglish

You can watch it on Zee5 and OTTplay Premium

Sridevi’s English Vinglish doesn’t only challenge the patriarchal mindset in India but also takes on our colonial hangover. Shashi’s (Sridevi) husband (Adil Hussain) and child take her for granted and run her down for her poor English speaking skills. When she joins a spoken English class in the US and meets new people, her horizon broadens.

Lipstick Under My Burkha

You can also watch it on Prime Video

Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, the film features Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathan Shah, Ahana Kumra, and Plabita Borthakur. The film delves into the lives of four women who overcome all odds to taste the freedom they deserve.

Angry Indian Goddesses

You can watch it on Netflix

The film is directed by Pan Nalin and features Sandhya Mridul, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Sarah-Jane Dias, Anushka Manchanda, Adil Hussain, and others. The film was screened at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. Billed as a comic drama, the film essays the oppression Indian women go through in every aspect of life.

Nil Battey Sannata

You can watch it on Zee5 and OTTplay Premium

Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, this film shows how a mother (Swara Bhaskar) takes admission to her daughter’s class to learn mathematics so that she can help her daughter in her studies. This comedy-drama was hailed by the audience and critics alike.