For many years, women were often relegated to side characters in the Indian film industry. However, with the changing times, we are now witnessing stories with inspirational female characters that not only defy stereotypes but also challenge societal norms and portray strong ideologies.
While 2024 saw a diverse range of movies across different industries, only a few female-led films truly captured the audience’s attention. From Laapataa Ladies to Ullozhukku, the following listicle contains a list of the best female-led Indian films of 2024.
As the year draws to a close, here’s a look at some top female-centric films from 2024 that are worth watching.
One of the standout empowering female performances of 2024 is Kiran Rao’s Hindi-language comedy movie Laapataa Ladies. It presents a refreshing narrative that focuses on the lives of two young married women who get switched during a train journey while traveling to their husbands’ homes.
The film is a poignant exploration of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of education and self-reliance. Produced by Aamir Khan, the film stars newcomers Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Srivastava. Laapataa Ladies can be streamed on Netflix.
OTT – Netflix
Directed by Shuchi Talati and co-produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, Girls Will Be Girls is a romantic-comedy film starring Kani Kusruti and Preeti Panigrahi in titular roles. This coming-of-age drama is subtle and beautifully revolves around an 18-year-old girl navigating her adolescence and sexuality against the backdrop of her mother, who is dealing with her own unresolved awakenings. The film premiered at Sundance 2024, where it was honored with two awards, including the Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic Category. Therefore, it won’t be wrong if we call the movie the best women-driven story of 2024.
OTT – Prime Video
Her is a must-watch female-led Malayalam film of 2024. This anthology drama, directed by Lijin Jose, is a celebration of sisterhood and resilience. Featuring a stellar cast including Urvashi, Aishwarya Rajesh, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Ramya Nambeesan, Her showcases the lives of five women from different social backgrounds who cross paths and form a unique bond. The film is a heartfelt ode to women navigating life’s challenges and is available to stream on SonyLIV.
OTT – Manorama Max
Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon, The Crew is a comedy-drama that revolves around three women navigating their lives amid the chaos of the airline industry. Directed by Rajesh Krishnan, this film blends humor with emotion, highlighting themes of ambition, friendship, and resilience. The film has been a commercial success and is counted among the best Indian movies featuring women leads in 2024. The Crew can be streamed on Netflix.
OTT – Netflix
This poignant drama explores the lives of two nurses living in Mumbai—one estranged from her husband and another searching for a place to get intimate with her lover. Starring Divya Prabha, Chaaya Kadam, and Kani Kusruti, the film, directed by Payal Kapadia, beautifully captures human emotions and features evocative visuals in deeply layered storytelling. Listed in the critically acclaimed female-driven movies of 202, All We Imagine As Light won the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, received two nominations at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, and was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
OTT – – MUBI
Two of the most empowering female performances in 2024 can be seen in this Malayalam drama, helmed by debutant director Christo Tomy. The film is an emotional exploration of human desires and struggles. Featuring Urvashi and Parvathy Thiruvothu in lead roles, Ullozhukku tells the story of a family living in rural Kerala grappling with a death during flooding. The delay in the funeral brings hidden truths, lies, and the complexities of relationships to light. The title Ullozhukku translates to “undercurrent” in English. Urvashi and Parvathy deliver soul-stirring performances in this cinematic gem, which can be streamed on Prime Video.
OTT – Prime Video
When we talk about women in lead roles for the year 2024, we can’t forget to mention Kajal Aggarwalin Satyabhama. Also starring Ankith Koyya, and Navin Chandra in key roles, this Telugu thriller is a captivating film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Directed by Suman Chikkala, Kajal plays the role of ACP Satyabhama, an investigator working on a missing person’s case that unravels dark secrets along the way.
OTT – Jio Cinema
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