International Women's Day 2025: How Bollywood Is Telling Stories The Feminist Way

Sanya Malhotra’s Mrs has started a whole lot of discussions on social media, irrespective of whether it is on Insta, FB, Twitter, Threads, or any other platform. A hard-hitting, great film, it isn’t the first one to do so; in the last decade, slowly but steadily, Bollywood has started to tell stories from the female lens. On Women’s Day, here’s a glimpse of some of those movies.

A ZEE5 spokesperson commented, “At ZEE5, we are committed to championing stories that spark important conversations and challenge outdated norms. Our titles like Mrs, Chhatriwali, Tarla, Mrs Undercover are powerful examples of how cinema can highlight the invisible struggles women face daily, whether it’s the burden of unpaid labor, the expectations tied to marriage, or the pursuit of one’s own identity. The overwhelming response to films like these proves that audiences are eager for narratives that don’t just entertain but also empower and inspire change. As we celebrate Women’s Day, we take pride in bringing stories like these to the forefront, ensuring that women’s voices are heard, and their stories are told.”

Arati Kadav, Director of Mrs, said, “Stories shape the way we see the world, and Women’s Day is a reminder to celebrate the strength and potential in every woman. With Mrs, I wanted to highlight how societal expectations often chip away at a woman’s wholeness, forcing her to mold herself into roles that don’t always align with her aspirations. The fact that so many women resonated with this journey only reinforces the need for more stories that reflect their realities and inspire them to embrace their full potential. This Women’s Day, I hope we continue to create spaces, both in cinema and in society, where women can be their most authentic selves.”