The year 2024 has been an outstanding year for female actors across Indian film industries, in both theatrical releases and OTT platforms. These performances have not only inspired viewers but also demonstrated that our leading ladies are capable of carrying entire films on their shoulders with their sheer talent.
Each of these performers brought their unique brilliance and talent to the screen, making their roles truly unforgettable. In this list, we highlight some of the standout performances that left a lasting impression on the audience. Check out 5 memorable women’s roles in Bollywood and regional films that you must not miss.
Anna Ben has, over the years, cemented herself amongst the most sought-after actresses in the Malayalam industry. Marking her entry in Kollywood, Anna’s 2024 performance in Tamil drama Kottukkaali/The Adamant Girl shows her range as an actor, thus ranking herself as one of the top female actors of 2024. With very few to no dialogues, Ben entirely relied on her expressions to convey her character’s emotions. Her portrayal as someone whose freedom has been curbed will deeply move you. Her eyes vividly reflect the pain and cruelty she endures from her loved ones. The film is available on Prime Video.
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Another best female performance this year comes from Kareena Kapoor in Hansal Mehta’s The Buckingham Murders. She plays a detective and a grieving mother so meticulously that the audience can feel pain and anger. Being in the entertainment industry for over two decades now, Kareena’s commanding screen presence and the intensity with which she played the role of Jass Bhamra solidify her status as one of the finest in Indian cinema. The Buckingham Murders is streaming on Netflix.
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Ullozhukku featured two powerhouse performers from Malayalam cinema—Urvashi and Parvathy Thiruvothu as Leelamma and Anju, respectively. Both actresses have again proved their acting mettle by delivering exceptional range in the movie. Parvathy effortlessly plays Urvashi’s daughter-in-law, a woman unhappy in the marriage who yearns for liberation, making it one of the iconic female-led movies of 2024.
Meanwhile, Urvashi portrays a heartbroken mother who just wants her late son’s offspring as her companion in old age. The emotional depth and power the two actors bring to the emotional and vulnerable scenes are extraordinary. Urvashi definitely is one of the top critically acclaimed female actors of the year. Ullozhukku is available on Prime Video.
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Actress Sai Pallavi plays Indhu Rebecca Varghese, an army officer’s wife, in the 2024 Tamil movie Amaran. In a heart-wrenching portrayal of a woman torn between the love and duty of her husband, Sai delivers an exceptional performance, making it a memorable women’s role in regional cinema. She made her character appear endearing with her raw and authentic acting. Her performance as a patient, unwaveringly loyal, and compassionate partner who equally shares the struggles and triumphs of her soldier husband is truly magical. Amaran is streaming on Netflix.
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Bhumi Pednekar delivers a stellar performance in Netflix’s crime drama movie Bhakshak. She plays Vaishali Singh, a local TV journalist in Bihar, with great intensity as she uncovers a gruesome crime at a young girl’s shelter home. Bhumi authentically embodies the role of a determined journalist seeking justice for the sexually exploited girls and is the soul of the film. Bhakshak is surely one of the best female-driven movies of 2024.
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