Women's Day: 5 Must Watch Indian Movies with Inspirational Female Protagonists

By: WE staff

In many societies, women continue to face discrimination in various forms, whether it is in the workplace, education, or even within the family structure. This dominance is often rooted in deep-seated cultural norms, stereotypes, and historical power imbalances, where women are unfairly relegated to secondary roles. These challenges include limited access to leadership positions, unequal pay, and societal expectations that confine women to specific roles. Such an environment not only stifles women’s potential but also perpetuates gender inequality. However, with evolving attitudes, education, and the rise of women’s voices, progress is being made to break down these barriers and foster a more inclusive, equitable society for all genders.

Movies that serve as an These films showcase women who defy obstacles, challenge stereotypes, and take bold steps toward achieving their goals. Whether in the face of adversity, discrimination, or personal struggles, these stories inspire audiences by portraying how women can overcome barriers and emerge stronger. By depicting real and fictional women who rise above societal limitations, these movies are powerful reminders of the transformative power of determination, self-belief, and perseverance. They not only encourage women to find their strength but also inspire others to support gender equality and create opportunities for women to thrive.

Gunjan Saxena

In 1984, Gunjan Saxena a young girl's dream of becoming a pilot is sparked when she’s taken to the cockpit during a flight journey. Despite facing gender-based opposition from her brother Anshuman, and challenges related to her education and finances. But her father supported her ambition and helped her in many ways. Though Gunjan faced many struggles to meet the Air Force’s requirements eventually at one time she succeeded after passing a medical retest.

Despite facing a male-dominated environment in training and resistance from Anshuman, who believes the Air Force isn’t for women and only for men, Gunjan perseveres. During the 1999 Kargil War, she is called to aid injured soldiers on a risky mission. Ignoring orders to abort, she successfully rescues the wounded, earning the respect of her peers and making her family proud.

The story says that "Perseverance and determination can break barriers, and with support and self-belief, one can overcome any obstacle, regardless of gender or societal expectations."

36 Vayadhinile

Vasanthi, a 36-year-old clerk, leads a mundane life, while her husband Tamizhselvan dreams of immigrating to Ireland. However, Vasanthi cannot accompany him, as most Irish companies refuse her job applications because of her age. One day Vasanthi is called by the IG to meet the President of India, but the meeting goes wrong when she faints, making her the subject of viral memes.

Vasanthi feels lost as her husband and daughter leave for Ireland. Encouraged by her successful friend Susan, Vasanthi rediscovers her ambition and starts a project focusing on organic greenhouse farming to provide healthy, pesticide-free vegetables. Despite resistance from her husband, Vasanthi’s project succeeds and earns her national recognition. Finally, she receives another invitation from the President, where she confidently answers questions, earning the respect of her family.

The story says that, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make a meaningful change in your life. Determination, self-belief, and perseverance can lead to personal growth, success, and the respect of others, regardless of age or challenges.

English Vinglish

Shashi Godbole, a traditional Marathi homemaker from Pune, is often disrespected by her family due to her poor English skills. However, when she travels to New York to help her sister with her daughter’s wedding, Shashi secretly enrolls in an English course to improve herself. Despite challenges and a traumatic incident given by her husband and daughter, Shashi gains confidence and respect through hard work and determination. During the wedding, she surprises her family by giving an inspiring speech in English, earning the respect of her friends and family. Shashi’s journey teaches the value of self-improvement, perseverance, and the importance of respect in a family.

Self-improvement and perseverance can lead to personal growth and respect, even when others underestimate you. It highlights the importance of gaining confidence, pursuing your goals, and earning the respect of those around you through dedication and hard work.

Sherni

Forest officer Vidya is assigned the task of capturing a man-eating tigress in a remote village. Where these tigers behave very arrogant and man eating. However, she was facing much opposition from multiple directions the local MLA turns the issue into a political matter and hires a hunter to kill the tigress; he planned to use it for his upcoming election campaign. Where Vidya, on the other hand, aims to 

capture the tigress alive without hurting it. She and her team track the tigress’s pugmarks, but the hunter succeeds in killing the tigress before they can capture her. Despite this, he is unable to find the tigress's cubs. The villagers, secretly informed Vidya by telling where it hides, and found the cubs hiding under a wooden log and manage to save them.

Compassion and responsibility should guide our actions, even in challenging situations. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being of nature and its creatures over personal or political gains. Additionally, it highlights the power of perseverance and teamwork in achieving a positive outcome, even when facing opposition.

Anandi Gopal

Anandi Gopal Joshi, born in Kalyan, was married at the age of nine to Gopalrao Joshi, a progressive thinker who supported women's education. After the death of her infant child at the age of fourteen due to lack of medical care, Anandi decided to pursue medicine. With her husband's encouragement, they moved to Calcutta where she learned English and Sanskrit. Gopalrao wrote to an American missionary, leading to Anandi’s decision to study medicine in the U.S.

Facing strong opposition from orthodox Indian society, Anandi pursued her medical degree in the U.S. with the support of Theodicia Carpenter, an American friend. Despite her declining health, Anandi traveled alone to America in 1883, where she enrolled in the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. She contracted tuberculosis but persevered through her studies. In 1886, she graduated with an MD and received a congratulatory message from Queen Victoria. She became one of the first Indian women to earn a medical degree, inspiring many others.

Determination, courage, and the support of progressive individuals can overcome societal barriers and transform one's life. Anandi Gopal Joshi's perseverance in pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor, despite facing personal and societal challenges, teaches us the importance of education, breaking stereotypes, and following one's passion regardless of obstacles.