With Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine starring Kareena Kapoor, scheduled to release soon, there is much excitement about the film. Bhandarkar known to project his nascent perception of social realities, have made very successful women oriented films in the past like Fashion, Page 3 and Chandni Bar. His new feat has been in news ever since conception of the film. Kareena’s presence adds a certain glamour factor to the film and its script deals with an inside story of Bollywood, which is sure to uncover the real life behind the gorgeousness and glamour of this world.
Bhandarkar is known for this genre of films and he quite excels at it. But the quintessential question that is posed as “Heroine” is all set to hit the floors; Will “Heroine” be able to break the high standards set by Vidya Balan’s The Dirty Picture. The movie has very high expectations pined on it and an important project in Kareena’s career. Its success could determine crucial changes in terms of star value in Bollywood.
Kareena Kapoor in Heroine Movie & Vidya Balan in The Dirty Picture Movie
Women oriented films are becoming increasingly popular. More so, in the era where feminist ideology is picking up with common people, films like Heroine are not only appreciated but almost preferred over sappy romantic, overdramatic films. Bollywood has a legacy of creating some fine female oriented films, even in the past, like Chandni Bar which starred the immensely talented Tabu and won her many accolades and awards and Khoon Bhari Maang starring the evergreen legendary actress, Rekha. This is no new vein of cinema but a continuation of championing the cause of liberation of women in every possible way.
Let’s have a look at few of Bollywood’s best women oriented films –
The Dirty Picture (2011)
Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor in The Dirty Picture Movie Poster
A biographical film, based on the life of star Silk Smitha, who was known for her erotic demeanor in films more than her acting, this film is deemed to be a seminial work which will be appreciated in Bollywood as epitome of feminist thinking. Vidya Balan’s performance was almost riveting. It was creative, bold and very entertaining. The movie was declared a superhit due to its star packed show with actors like Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi. This movie was beyond a one time watch. It collected about 85 crore rupees and bagged innumerable awards this year.
Kahaani (2012)
Vidya Balan in Kahaani Movie Poster
Vidya Balan has been on a roll since last year. First The Dirty Picture and then Kahaani, Balan is unraveling Feminism in Bollywood on her own terms. Playing the role of a pregnant lady, Vidya Balans delivers a brilliant performance. It was an atom of intelligent cinema and a thriller which the audiences relished. The film made on a budget of merely 8 crore Rupees went on to make a business of 59.26 Crore Rupees. This film is a vivid and live example of how only strong script works for modern audiences.
7 Khoon Maaf (2011)
Priyanka Chopra in 7 Khoon Maaf Movie Poster
It is dark film based on Ruskin Bond’s story “Susanna’s Seven Husbands”. This movie was feministic in its outlook and gave Indian cinema a new dimension. Priyanka Chopra delivers a fine performance which is sensitive, exciting and enthralling. Vishal Bharadwaj known for creating innovative cinema reached a new angle of work with this film. The movie was however a tiring experience and hence it didn’t do very good business at the box office. Made on a budget of 22 crore rupees, the film could only earn about 19 Crore rupees.
Fashion (2008)
Mugdha Godse, Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut in Fashion Movie Poster
From Madhur Bhandarkar, this was commendably brave film. Though dramatic in it ways, this film hits you hard and enlightens you about the nasty real world of fashion. Priyanka delivered a confident performance like a natural depicting on screen an erray of emotions perfectly. From the peak of success to the lows of devastation, Priyanka owned this film. Bhandarkar’s vision won him and the film much accolades. This film will be remembered for Mughda Ghodse and Kangana Ranaut’s impeccable performances as well. This film garnered almost 37 crore rupees at the box office.
Chandni Bar (2001)
Tabu and Atul Kulkarni in Chandni Bar Movie Poster
Dealing with heavy topics like Prostitution and life in dance bars of Mumbai, this movie shot Madhur Bhandarkar to fame. It was a critically acclaimed film and won Foyr National Awards. Tabu’s performance in the film remains to be one of the best in her career. The film revolves around the pathos of Tabu’s life and the dilemmas she faces, the twists and the mockery of life.
Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)
Rekha in Khoon Bhari Maang Movie Poster
Rekha’s most remembered performance and one of Rakesh Roshan’s most successful films. The film was path breaking as it deviated from the previous male centric hero based film and established a woman as a hero, in the role of the protagonist. The female oriented charm of the film has sustained over the years and still remains a delightful watch. The daredevil role of Rekha is revered till date and this film was Bollywood’s first opening to the feminine strength in masculine terms.
With no unfair comparisons or biased notions, KoiMoi sincerely wishes “Heroine” gets its due on fair terms.
