8 movies to binge-watch on Women's Day

You have to watch these!

International Women's Day is a celebration in itself. Women's rights, the apt representation and treatment of women at home and at work are some of the issues that need to be addressed - not just on

Women's Day but all year round. Reminiscing about how women have carved their footprints in the area of films, we decided to make a list of our own.  While some of today's female-centric films are fictional, others showcase real life heroines, who have fought their way out of unthinkable hardships and made it through.

Here are seven handpicked films on our must-watch list - where actresses have not only rolled out epic performances but have also garnered a huge fan following.

Bol

Bol was considered one of the most controversial and bold films of all time in the Pakistani film industry.

Bol features the talents of Humaima Malick, Atif Aslam, Mahira Khan and Iman Ali, alongside other popular Pakistani actors. The film tells the tale of a girl who challenges the age-old societal norms of treating women as the lesser sex.

Based in Lahore, the film aims to highlight the plight of women, who are often treated as burdens by a large percentage of society. The film also treads no-go areas like homosexuality and the life of eunuchs, in addition to talking about Shia-Sunni dynamics.

Watch the trailer here:


Balu Mahi

Balu Mahi paints a perfect picture of any traditional rom-com, but if looked closely, the film also portrays a very pressing issue in Pakistan; forced marriages.

Balu Mahi is a tale of Balu, a helpless romantic, who crashes a wedding, mistaking it for the wedding of the love of his life, where Mahi is getting married. Seizing the oppurtunity to escape the wedding, she elopes with Balu at her own will and the adventure begins. We don't endorse what the character did - but what we appreciate is the fact that she stood up for her rights and exhibited a lack of fear and enviable strength.

Even though the movie is a classic rom-com, Ainy Jaffri's strong hold on her character as Mahi will leave you smiling.

Watch the trailer here:


Queen

Queen is a 2014 comedy-drama film which stars Kangana Ranaut. It starts when Rani's (Kangana) fiance abruptly calls off their wedding, which was planned the next day. Trying to regain the control of the situation, Rani decides to go on their pre-booked honeymoon alone in Paris and Amsterdam.

The storyline revolves around soul-searching, and how freely women can be without being in constant dominance of men.


Kahaani

The Vidya Balan- starrer, Kahaani is a tale of feminism and motherhood amid a male-dominated Indian society.

The nail biting thriller will keep you in suspense till the end. The film also showcases the strength of a woman, and a thought that she can do anything if she sets her mind to. We were a little more than inspired!

Watch the trailer here:


Neerja

Sonam Kapoor starrer biopic is based on Pan Am flight attendant Neerja Bhanot who lost her life while saving many in a hijack attempt on Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan, on 5 September 1986.

Having displayed true courage and bravery in the face of crisis, she won the Ashok Chakra, making her the youngest recipient of India’s highest peacetime military award for bravery. She was also awarded the Tamgha-e-Insaaniyat by the Pakistani government.

Sonam justifies the role of Neerja rather beautifully, and the movie is definitely worth watching. It exudes the kind of strength the women of our country can get inspired from.

Watch the trailer here:


Hidden Figures

Based on the lives of three African American female mathematicians, who worked in NASA, but were never credited for their work.

The film stars Taraji P Henson as Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who calculated flight trajectories. The film also features Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan and Janelle Monáe as Mary Jackson and Mahershala Ali in supporting roles.

Henson, Spencer, and Monáe's stellar performances prompt this feel-good biographical drama that teaches audiences about a little-known aspect of NASA's history. This film goes against all odds and succeeds in showing that women can achieve anything.

Watch the trailer here:


Thelma and Louis

Thelma and Louise is considered one of the most famous feminist films of all time. Starring Geena Davis and Susan Sanderson, the 1991 American crime thriller revolves around two friends, Thelma and Louise, who escape their daily lives for a much needed vacation.

"Chock-full of great performances and dramatic scenes, this is one truly amazing film that crystallizes a moment in feminist social history for all time." reviewed Rolling Stone. This one is a must-watch!


Not without My Daughter

Based on a true story, Not Without My Daughter, a 1991 drama film which revolves around the hardships faced by an American woman and her daughter, who runs away from her abusive husband.

Set in 1984, the film will take you on an emotional ride. It stars Sally Field as Betty, an ordinary American mom in all respects but one - she has married an Iranian who is a doctor at the local hospital. They have a young daughter and a settled middle-class life, but beneath the surface all is not well.

Watch the trailer here:


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