The 69th National Film Awards unveiled the names of this year's winners; Alia Bhatt secured the National Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', which she shared with Kriti Sanon for her performance in 'Mimi'.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared that a total of 280 feature films, spanning 28 languages, and 158 non-feature films, spanning 23 languages, were considered for these awards.
Among the various genres that have emerged over the years, women-oriented films have carved a distinct niche for themselves. The recognition of such films with National Awards not only reflects the growing appreciation for women's stories, but also underscores the impact of cinema as a vehicle for social change. Let's take a closer look at some remarkable women-oriented films that have clinched National Awards over the years.
Mardaani
Addressing the grave issue of human trafficking, 'Mardaani' features Rani Mukerjee as a fearless police officer determined to dismantle a sex trafficking ring. The film's gritty portrayal of a woman in a male-dominated profession highlights the resilience and determination of female law enforcement officers. Rani Mukerjee's fierce performance was recognised with a National Award, drawing attention to the film's urgent social message.
Queen
'Queen', starring Kangana Ranaut, follows the journey of Rani, a young woman who embarks on a solo honeymoon trip after her fiancé calls off their wedding. The film explores a woman’s self-discovery and empowerment, which resonated with audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon. Kangana Ranaut's portrayal of Rani's transformation from vulnerability to strength earned her a National Award for Best Actress.
Pink
Directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, 'Pink' is a strong voice against the struggles women face in society. It tackles issues like consent and victim-blaming. The film won a National Award, which adds weight to the film’s powerful message that demands fairness and equality for all.
Mary Kom
Omung Kumar's biographical movie, 'Mary Kom', narrates the inspiring story of the Olympic-winning boxer. Priyanka Chopra's portrayal of Mary Kom's determination touched hearts. The movie bagged the National Award to celebrate women's achievements and their relentless spirit to excel.
Kahaani
Sujoy Ghosh's 'Kahaani' is a gripping tale of Vidya Bagchi, played by Vidya Balan, searching for her husband in Kolkata. The moviewon three National Film Awards and Balan's outstanding performance highlights women's resilience and determination.
Damini
Long before the current wave of women-oriented films, 'Damini' emerged as a groundbreaking film in its time. Starring Meenakshi Seshadri, the film tells the story of a woman who fights against societal norms and a corrupt legal system to bring justice to a rape victim. The film's powerful narrative and Meenakshi Seshadri's remarkable performance earned her a National Award, solidifying the film's legacy as a trailblazer.
