The recently released Crew is garnering attention for all the right reasons. A new wave of female-centric films captivates audiences in a refreshing departure from traditional Bollywood narratives. Viewers are loving their heartfelt portrayals of the enduring power of friendship. Among these cinematic gems is the recently released Crew. Crew follows the journey of three flight attendants as they go through the highs and lows of their careers and personal lives together. It stars powerhouse actresses Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon in lead roles.
Joining Crew in this celebration of female camaraderie are several other notable films that have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Hindi cinema.
Veere Di Wedding
Shashanka Ghosh’s 2018 buddy comedy, Veere Di Wedding, presents a modern take on female friendship muck like Crew. It stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam K Ahuja, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania. The film follows four friends navigating the complexities of love, marriage, and motherhood. Despite facing personal conflicts and societal pressures, the bond between these women remains unbreakable. The film shows the importance of loyalty and acceptance in lifelong friendships.
Parched
Leena Yadav’s 2015 drama, Parched, like Crew, offers a poignant portrayal of female friendship against the backdrop of rural Rajasthan. The film follows the bittersweet tale of four ordinary women: Rani, Lajjo, Bijli, and Janaki. It shows their journey as they confront their demons and stage their own personal wars. Through their unapologetic conversations about men, relationships, and life, Parched highlights the resilience and solidarity found in female bonds. It emphasizes the strength derived from facing life’s challenges together.
Aisha
Rajshree Ojha’s 2010 romantic comedy-drama, Aisha, is a delightful adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. It is led by Sonam Kapoor’s spirited portrayal of Aisha Kapoor. Also, like Crew, the film follows her journey as a self-styled event manager who takes it upon herself to find the perfect match for her friend Shefali. Amidst chaos and misunderstandings, Aisha celebrates the transformative power of friendship. Moreover, Aisha shows how true friends uplift and support each other through life’s twists and turns.
Queen
Vikas Bahl’s 2014 comedy-drama, Queen, is a heartwarming tale of female independence and resilience. Kangana Ranaut shines as Rani Mehra, a diffident Punjabi girl who embarks on a solo honeymoon to Paris after her fiancé calls off their wedding. What begins as a journey of self-discovery becomes a celebration of female empowerment like Crew. Rani befriends another solo traveler, Vijaylakshmi, and embraces her newfound freedom. Queen beautifully portrays the strength and resilience found in female friendships. Lastly, it highlights how they empower women to embrace independence and forge their own paths.
Cocktail
Homi Adajania’s 2012 romantic comedy-drama, Cocktail, offers a nuanced exploration of female relationships. Starring Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, the film follows the complex dynamics between Meera and Veronica, two women with opposite personalities who form an unlikely friendship. Through shared experiences and emotional support, Meera and Veronica go through love, friendship, and heartbreak, showing the complexities of modern friendships and the enduring bonds that unite them.
Pink
Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s 2016 legal thriller, Pink, portrays female solidarity in the face of trouble. Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, and Andrea Tariang deliver compelling performances as three young women who unite to fight for justice after a harrowing experience. Through their unwavering determination and support for each other, Minal, Falak, and Andrea challenge societal norms and demand respect and equality. Pink showcases the strength and resilience of female bonds, showing how women can empower each other to stand up against injustice and fight for their rights.
As audiences continue to embrace these films, it’s evident that Hindi cinema is undergoing a transformative shift, championing narratives that celebrate the multifaceted nature of female friendships and the enduring support they provide in navigating life’s complexities.
