The year 2021 witnessed several great female-led releases in Bollywood. We fell in love with these films because of their portrayal of female characters and how they were crucial to the story and propelled the plot forward, instead of letting the men take the center stage.
The release dates for new movies in theatres have been revealed, and audiences are anticipating some exciting performances in the next year. Here's a list of five films that we're excited to watch in 2022.
1. Gangubai Kathiawadi
The film, which stars Alia Bhatt, is scheduled to hit theatres in February 2022. The film is a biographical crime drama about a woman's rise to dominance in the underworld. This novel follows the path of Ganga, a young girl who eventually becomes Gangubai, a powerful character in the Kamathipura red-light district of Mumbai, Maharashtra.
It is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and has cameo appearances by Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi. Alia's bold and compelling portrayal of a character raises our hopes for this film.
2. Dhaakad
The movie is being termed 'India's first female-led action thriller'. Agent Agni, played by Kangana Ranaut, is the primary character in the film. Ranaut considers the thriller to be a watershed moment in her career and a path-breaking moment in Indian film.
Fans have high expectations from the actor, who has consistently wowed audiences in female-led films such as Queen, Tanu Weds Manu, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Panga, Manikarnika, and the most recent Thalaivii. Even though the film's release date was set for October 1, 2021, it is yet to be released and will do so hopefully in 2022.
3. Double XL
The film is set to hit theatres in the summer of 2022. Double XL is said to be about female body shaming, and the teaser seems promising.
The movie, which will star Huma Qureshi and Sonakshi Sinha will address difficulties that plus-size women face, often in the form of tasteless humour and unsolicited advice, even from their own friends and family.
4. Shabaash Mithu
The film is based on Mithali Raj, a celebrated cricketer and the current test and ODI captain of the Indian women's cricket team. Shabaash Mithu stars Taapsee Pannu and is produced by Viacom18 Studios and directed by Srijit Mukherjee. This would be the first biopic in India based on the life of a female cricketer.
Raj is a brilliant figure in global sports and undoubtedly an inspiration to many girls in India, having earned Padma Shri, Arjuna Awards, BBC 100 Women, Khel Ratna Award, and Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World. The film is set to hit the theatres in February 2022.
5. Mrs Chatterjee VS Norway
Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, starring Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji, is slated to hit theatres on May 20, 2022. The film is based on a true story that had a significant impact on children and human rights around the world.
It is a film about an Indian couple living in Norway who lose custody of their children when the government accuses them of neglect. The parents win their legal battle with the state to regain their children, as they were sent into foster care until the age of 18. The film highlights issues pertaining to racism, cultural differences, as well as mental health of women and children.
Which movie are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!