It’s Women’s Day today, and what better way to celebrate the occasion than to give a shoutout to the champions of women empowerment in cinema. In our society, films play a crucial role in setting the trend. Considering the influence, we have a few women writers changing the narrative with their female characters. So, this Women’s Day, let’s look at some writers and directors we love because they defy the norms and challenge the stereotypes with their female characters. Have a look:

Kanika Dhillon

Kanika Dhillon, who has Judgementall Hai Kya  and Ra.One to her credit, has earned acclaim for creating a female-led cinematic world. All her characters, including Rani of Haseen Dillruba or Rumi of Manmaarziyan, call the shots in the narrative. Kanika’s women are raw, complex, progressive, and all shades relatable.

Juhi Chaturvedi

Juhi Chaturvedi’s Piku has earned the acclaim of being one of the most beautiful representations of daughters who are also caregivers. With a perfect balance of emotions, ambitions, and love, the writer celebrated the spirit of a woman in the best possible way.

Atika Chouhan

Some of the most liberating yet powerful characters seen on screen have come from Atika Chouhan. Be it Chhapaaak or Margarita With A Straw, the writer brings out the best in her characters even in the most adverse circumstances while adding many nuances.

Rohena Gera

Another leading name that shattered various stereotypes with her work is Rohena Gera. With Sir starring Tillotama Shome,the writer-director gave voice to a house help in the most gripping narration. Shome’s character Ratna was written to portray her as a dreamer, an achiever, and a woman bold enough to walk out.

Ruchi Narain

Ruchi Narain directed Hundred along with Ashutosh Shah and Taher Shabbir. The show, starring Lara Dutta and Rinku Rajguru in lead roles, is about an ambitious cop and a bored government employee making one quirky team. Her characters are strong and independent.  

Mitakshara Kumara

Mitakshara Kumara’s The Empire is about a 14-year-old Babur who steps up to his destiny and leaves an indelible mark on history amid scheming courtiers, ministers, and a dead king.  The show’s ensemble cast features Shabana Azmi, Kunal Kapoor, Dino Morea, and Drashti Dhami. The women characters are unapologetically themselves.

Domee Shi

Directed by Domee Shi, Turning Red by Disney and Pixar introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, is never far from her daughter — an unfortunate reality for the teenager. As if changes to her interests, relationships, and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited, she “poofs” into a giant red panda! The film stars the voices of Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Hyein Park, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho and James Hong. This is the first Pixar film to be solely directed by a woman. 

Niki Caro

Directed by Niki Caro, Mulan is about a woman masquerading as a male soldier to protect her father. Being tested every step of the way, Mulan must harness her inner strength and embrace her true potential. Mulan is led by Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, and Gong Li.  

Pooja Shetty

Created by Pooja Shetty and Neil Pagedar, OK Computer is about a cyber cop and robots rights activist investigating a murder case by a self-driven car. The six-episode series is led by Radhika Apte and Vijay Verma.

Chloé Zhao

Directed by Oscar-winning Chloé Zhao, the story of Eternals takes place across an extended period, primarily focusing on the present-day but often venturing to ancient civilization and world events. Led by a vast ensemble including, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harrington, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Barry Keoghan, Kumail Nanjiani, Don Lee, Lia McHugh, and Lauren Ridloff, the Eternals were instructed to protect humanity from alien threats known as Deviants.

(Featured Image Credits: Instagram)