NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Netflix
    Shah Rukh Khan
    Alia Bhatt
    Salman Khan
    Ranbir Kapoor
    Ranveer Singh
    Amazon Prime Video
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / Entertainment News / International Women's Day 2023: Revisiting classic Hindi feminist, women-oriented films
    Entertainment

    International Women's Day 2023: Revisiting classic Hindi feminist, women-oriented films

    International Women's Day 2023: Revisiting classic Hindi feminist, women-oriented films
    Written by Isha Sharma
    Mar 08, 2023, 09:30 am 2 min read
    International Women's Day 2023: Revisiting classic Hindi feminist, women-oriented films
    Which classic Hindi films explored feminism? Take a look

    In its glorious history spanning over a century, Hindi cinema has tackled every issue one can think of. It has become more progressive, with female actors being catapulted to the status of the movies' protagonist than simply being eye candies. While feminist films are now galore, some classics deserve more limelight since they did it before feminism was even properly discussed. Let's dive in.

    'Arth'

    While Hindi cinema has no dearth of films that focus on extramarital affairs' irreparable consequences on a family's fabric, Arth touched this issue back in 1982. Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Smita Patel essayed lovers, while Shabana Azmi played the wife wronged in this turbulent relationship. However, instead of submitting to her fate, she moves out of the home—a step unheard of in those times.

    'Mandi'

    In Mandi, men exist in the periphery, and it's women who take the center stage. Powered by an ensemble comprising Azmi, Smita Patil, Ila Arun, Naseeruddin Shah, and Neena Gupta, this Shyam Benegal directorial tells the story of a brothel run by a powerful madam and emphasizes female sexuality and the fight against male chauvinism that aspires to constantly smother female voices.

    'Mirch Masala'

    Mirch Masala, starring Patil, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Supriya Pathak, is a must-watch that hits the nail on its head through its depiction of how women were, and in fact, still are, slaves to patriarchy, with the men in their lives sealing their fates. What packs a punch, in particular, is its pulsating finale that demonstrates female solidarity and crushes misogyny to the ground.

    'Seeta Aur Geeta'

    Seeta Aur Geeta may not outright scream feminism nor is it devoid of any cliches that defined the '70s cinema, but it still qualifies as a female-centric film for the breathing space it allows its central character, played to perfection by Hema Malini. It gives the protagonist agency, a voice, and authority, and for once, men are not the masters, but second-in-command here.

    Poll
    Which other female-centric film would you like to know about?
    'Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey'
    43.90%
    'Darlings'
    56.10%
    Poll is completed
    Here's why you should stream this film.

    Stream or skip? 'Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey' on Disney+ 

    A few hiccups, but still makes a strong case for women.

    'Darlings' review: Fumbles, falters, but doesn't lose sight of goal

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Hema Malini
    Shabana Azmi
    Smita Patil
    Bollywood Films

    Hema Malini

    Mahua Moitra uses cuss word in Parliament, defends it later Mahua Moitra
    Hema Malini turns 74: Exploring lesser-known facts about veteran actor-dancer Happy Birthday
    'Learned my lesson': Dharmendra shares health update after hospitalization Esha Deol
    Hema Malini birthday special: Looking at her best dance performances Entertainment

    Shabana Azmi

    Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, Gajraj Rao to headline Netflix's 'Dabba Cartel' Netflix
    'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' gets new release date! Karan Johar
    Happy birthday, Shabana Azmi: Looking at actor's notable recent roles Happy Birthday
    'Ghoomer': Seen first look of Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher yet? Amitabh Bachchan

    Smita Patil

    Sushant searched 'painless death,' Disha link upset him: Mumbai Police Mumbai Police
    Sushant was scared after former manager's death, claims friend Republic TV
    Bar dancers hope to get jobs back after SC's verdict Sudhir Mungantiwar
    Biopic on my mother should be called 'Ek-Thi-Smita': Prateik Babbar Bollywood

    Bollywood Films

    Times when actors felt uncomfortable with film costumes Bollywood
    Sai Pallavi to star opposite Ranbir Kapoor in 'Ramayana': Reports Bollywood
    'Jawan': Ram Charan reportedly approached after Allu Arjun's exit Bollywood
    Amitabh Bachchan shares health update after injury Amitabh Bachchan

    Love Entertainment News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    Entertainment Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023