Women in Bollywood have long fought for substantial roles, and when given the chance, they¡¯ve not only delivered powerhouse performances but also shattered box office records. This International Women¡¯s Day 2025, let¡¯s celebrate the films that put women at the forefront and proved that content-driven, female-led narratives can be absolute money-spinners. These five movies equally won hearts as well as raked in massive collections worldwide.
A teenage girl, a dream, and a fight against societal norms - Secret Superstar became an unexpected global phenomenon. Starring Zaira Wasim as the supremely talented Insia, the film told the story of a girl who chased her passion for singing despite the constraints of a conservative household. What made it special? The raw, emotional connect and an unfiltered take on domestic oppression.
And let¡¯s not forget Aamir Khan¡¯s quirky, over-the-top music producer act, which only added wholesomeness to the charm. The film¡¯s earnings were largely driven by its monstrous success in China, where audiences connected deeply with the story, turning it into Bollywood¡¯s highest-grossing female-led film of all time.
A controversial film that sparked debates across the country, The Kerala Story was as bold as it was successful. Featuring Adah Sharma in a gut-wrenching role, the film explored the harrowing subject of radicalization and human trafficking. It's heart-wrenching narrative, despite facing bans and protests, found massive acceptance among audiences who appreciated its hard-hitting storytelling.
The box office numbers spoke for themselves, making sure this wasn¡¯t just a film but a conversation starter, making it one of the biggest successes of 2023.
If you thought sequels rarely outshine their predecessors, Tanu Weds Manu Returns proved otherwise. Kangana Ranaut, in a double role as the wild and unpredictable Tanu and the sweet, ambitious Kusum, gave a masterclass in acting. The film had everything, romance, comedy, drama, and chartbuster music that the audiences across the board found entertaining.
But what truly made it work? The unapologetic, free-spirited female lead who refused to conform to stereotypes. The box office magic was inevitable, making it the highest-grossing female-led Bollywood film at the time.
Who knew a story about a teacher with Tourette syndrome could tug at heartstrings worldwide? Rani Mukerji¡¯s Hichki was proof that heartfelt performances and meaningful storytelling could create box office wonders. Inspired by a real-life story, the film followed Naina Mathur, a teacher who turns her weakness into strength, proving that perseverance and belief can overcome the toughest obstacles.?
If there was ever a performance that screamed ¡®legendary,¡¯ it was Alia Bhatt¡¯s portrayal of Gangubai. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this magnum opus transformed Bhatt into a fierce, larger-than-life woman who owned her destiny despite the odds. With stunning cinematography, powerful dialogues, and a protagonist who oozed confidence, Gangubai Kathiawadi was a cinematic triumph.
When more than just watching the film, audiences lived it, the result was a staggering Rs 211.5 crore at the box office and an unforgettable character that redefined what a Bollywood heroine could be.
Gone are the days when female-led films were considered a gamble at the box office. These five films are a living proof to the fact that when given compelling stories and well-crafted characters, women in Bollywood can drive films to extraordinary success. As we celebrate International Women¡¯s Day 2025, here¡¯s to more stories where women aren¡¯t just love interests or side characters but the entire story. Because when women lead, magic happens on screen and beyond.
| Rank | Movie Name | Release Date | Lifetime BO* | Current Valuation** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secret Superstar | October 19, 2017 | Rs 912.75 crore | Rs 1,121.15 crore |
| 2 | The Kerala Story | May 5, 2023 | Rs 302 crore | Rs 310.41 crore*** |
| 3 | Tanu Weds Manu Returns | May 22, 2015 | Rs 258 crore | Rs 344.00 crore*** |
| 4 | Hichki | March 23, 2018 | Rs 236.48 crore | Rs 280.91 crore |
| 5 | Gangubai Kathiawadi | February 25, 2022 | Rs 211.5 crore | Rs 225.60 crore |
*Lifetime box office data is sourced from Sacnilk.
**Current valuation is the adjusted box office collections, taking inflation into account, as of March 8, 2025. CPI values used were: 2015-120, 2017-130, 2018-135, 2022-150, 2023-155 and 2025-160 (projected based on trends).
***Tanu Weds Manu would rank up to Number 2 surpassing The Kerala Story if the inflation-adjusted values are considered.
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