Women-Led Films: Crew and Laapataa Ladies Shine

Crew: A Blockbuster Success

This year has highlighted the potential of women-led films in Bollywood. “Crew,” directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, is a prime example, featuring A-list stars Tabu, Kareena Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon. The all-female heist comedy premiered in cinemas on March 29, earning ₹9.5 crore domestically and ₹20 crore globally, setting a record for women-led Hindi films. Its star-studded cast undoubtedly propelled its success.

Laapataa Ladies: A Delayed Triumph

In contrast, Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” struggled initially but found success on Netflix. Despite its lackluster box office performance, the film gained a significant audience upon its digital release. Surprisingly, it surpassed Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal” in views on Netflix India, showcasing the potential for small, women-led films to outperform bigger productions.

Box office success often hinges on stardom. “Crew” benefited from its high-profile cast, while “Laapataa Ladies,” featuring newcomers and character actors, lacked this advantage. Producer Aamir Khan’s involvement may have overshadowed the film’s content, diverting attention to his personal life and affecting its theatrical reception.

Promotion and Public Perception

“Laapataa Ladies” faced challenges despite early promotion and screenings. The media’s focus on Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan’s relationship overshadowed the film itself. This unwanted attention likely contributed to its poor box office performance. However, the film’s success on Netflix demonstrates its quality, resonating with viewers once freed from preconceived notions.

Redefining the Female Hero

The success of women-led films like “Crew” and “Laapataa Ladies” underscores the evolving concept of the female hero in Bollywood. Alia Bhatt and Vidya Balan have both highlighted the growing acceptance of female heroism, which transcends gender and traditional storytelling norms. Films like these challenge conventional narratives and offer fresh perspectives.