Bollywood’s 6 grittiest women-led films to watch

From the relentless cop in Mardaani and the fearless Meera of NH10 to the darkly complex worlds of Darlings and Mom, Bollywood has delivered several gripping stories powered by formidable female protagonists. These films go beyond glamour and romance, placing women at the heart of intense narratives filled with courage, resilience, revenge and survival. Here’s a revisit to some of Bollywood’s grittiest films led by strong women.

Babita Singh Reporting: Nimisha Sajayan’s Babita Singh Reporting is driven by a woman who refuses to let a personal tragedy become another forgotten case. Her investigation puts her up against a system full of pressure and secrets, making the film a strong watch for anyone who enjoys women taking charge when the odds are stacked against them. Watch on: Prime Video. 

Mardaani: Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani follows a police officer who takes on a dangerous human trafficking network after a young girl goes missing. Shivani Shivaji Roy’s determination, courage and refusal to back down make the film a powerful watch for anyone who enjoys women fighting back against deeply rooted crime. Watch on: Netflix.

NH10: Anushka Sharma’s NH10 starts with an ordinary road trip that turns into a fight for survival when a couple crosses paths with a violent group. What makes the film gripping is watching Anushka’s character shed her vulnerability and fight back when there is no one else to protect her. Watch on: Zee5

Kahaani: Vidya Balan’s Kahaani follows a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata, but the deeper she gets into the mystery, the more dangerous it becomes. Vidya’s character uses intelligence, patience and sheer determination rather than brute force, making this an absolutely standout female-led thriller. Watch on: Prime Video. 

Mom: Sridevi’s Mom follows a mother who takes matters into her own hands after the legal system fails to deliver justice for her daughter. The 2017 thriller also featured a then-little-known Triptii Dimri in a blink-and-miss role as Aarya’s classmate, marking one of her earliest screen appearances before she went on to become a leading actor. Watch on: Zee5

Darlings: Alia Bhatt’s Darlings follows a woman who decides to take control of her life after years of abuse in her marriage. What makes the dark comedy stand out is how her character moves from quietly enduring the situation to fighting back on her own terms. Watch on: Netflix.