9 films on Netflix that depict modern women beautifully; Dear Zindagi to Mimi

9 films on Netflix that depict modern women beautifully; Dear Zindagi to Mimi

As a woman who has navigated her way through the labyrinth of societal expectations and gender norms, I find immense joy and inspiration in the portrayals of strong, resilient women in these Netflix films. Each story resonates with me on a deeply personal level, reminding me of my own struggles and victories.


Indian filmmakers have been highlighting women’s resilience, determination, and power through their films. These movies demonstrate that women have consistently remained true to who they are, even in the face of unexpected challenges, much like an intriguing surprise package. Furthermore, there are numerous titles on Netflix that portray strong, contemporary women in a captivating manner. Here are some recommendations for you to explore!

9 films on Netflix that showcase the strength of modern women:

1. Jaane Jaan

  • Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma
  • IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
  • Release year: 2023
  • Genre: Crime/Thriller

Last year, Kareena Kapoor Khan started her streaming platform journey with the crime thriller titled “Jaane Jaan.” In this Sujoy Ghosh-directed movie, she portrays a diligent single mother residing with her sole daughter. Despite her efforts to shield her daughter from her harmful father, he eventually locates them. In an effort to safeguard herself and her child, the mother resorts to committing a severe offense. However, her neighbor, sensing something unusual, assists her in avoiding trouble but unfortunately finds himself ensnared instead.

2. Mimi

  • Cast: Kriti Sanon, Pankaj Tripathi, Sai Tamhankar, Manoj Pahwa, Supriya Pathak
  • IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
  • Release year: 2021
  • Genre: Comedy/Drama

The film titled “Mimi” is a National Award-winning masterpiece that stood out among Netflix’s top movies in 2021. By reimagining the 2011 Marathi movie “Mala Aai Vhhaychy”, director Laxman Utekar skillfully employed humor to portray motherhood in its most genuine form. Kriti Sanon stars as the protagonist, who agrees to be a surrogate for an American couple for a substantial amount of money. However, when the couple declines to accept the baby, she decides to carry on with her pregnancy and eventually gives birth to the child.

3. Mom

  • Cast: Sridevi, Sajal Aly, Akshaye Khanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Adnan Siddiqui
  • IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
  • Release year: 2017
  • Genre: Crime/Drama

Whenever someone harms a young woman, her mother – a respected school teacher named Sridevi – emerges anew, similar to a phoenix, to exact retribution on the wrongdoers. In this case, when her daughter was assaulted, Sridevi determinedly set out to bring justice against the offenders who had escaped punishment. She chose a powerful method to dismantle the lives of the four perpetrators.

4. Dear Zindagi

  • Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan, Ira Dubey, Kunal Kapoor, Angad Bedi, Ali Zafar
  • IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
  • Release year: 2016
  • Genre: Romance/Drama

In the film “Dear Zindagi,” Alia Bhatt plays a young woman with dreams of becoming a cinematographer, traveling extensively in search of a flawless existence. On one of her journeys, she encounters a man who perceives life differently. This unconventional perspective on life encourages the woman to find joy in life’s flaws rather than chasing an idealized perfect life. Her character mirrors the experiences of numerous women who abandon their current lives in pursuit of something that may not even be within their reach or destiny.

5. Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway

  • Cast: Rani Mukerji, Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Gupta, Jim Sarbh
  • IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
  • Release year: 2023
  • Genre: Biography/Drama

Drawing inspiration from the true account of Indian couple Anurup Bhattacharya and Sagarika Chakraborty, my story, too, echoes that of a determined mother, Mrs. Chatterjee, who fearlessly confronts society, her spouse, and the Norwegian Government in an arduous battle for the guardianship of her children. With unwavering resolve, I navigated the labyrinthine legal system, ascending to the highest court, and defied those who barred me from seeing my precious offspring. Once a humble homemaker, I transformed into an indomitable woman, fueled by an unquenchable desire to regain custody of my children.

6. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl

  • Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Angad Bedi
  • IMDB Rating: 5.5/10
  • Release year: 2020
  • Genre: Action/War/Biography

Watching Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl left me feeling nothing short of inspired! As a proud Indian, I can’t help but feel swelled with pride knowing that our daughters could follow in the footsteps of this incredible young woman who made history as the first female Air Force officer to fly in combat during the 1999 Kargil War. This Netflix film is an ode to modern women everywhere, showcasing their strength, courage, and fearlessness in such a captivating way. I can’t help but feel that every parent would want their daughter to aspire to greatness like Gunjan Saxena!

7. Crew

  • Cast: Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, Diljit Dosanjh
  • IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
  • Release year: 2024
  • Genre: Comedy/Drama

It might seem unexpected that this heist comedy film appears among Netflix’s selections highlighting strong female characters, but the movie “Crew” focuses on three women who lead distinct lives and grapple with societal expectations weighing upon them. One woman strives to deceive her parents for their approval while another fights to support her family. The third character, marked by a troubled childhood, seeks independence in relationships and aspires to control her life independently. Isn’t this narrative a reflection of the lives of many women today?

8. Tribhanga

  • Cast: Kajol, Tanvi Azmi, Mithila Palkar
  • IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
  • Release year: 2021
  • Genre: Drama

Under the guidance of Renuka Shahane, Tribhanga offers an account of three women spanning various age groups who persist in staying connected to their complicated family despite making brave, unconventional decisions. Despite encountering life’s hurdles, they find resilience through their deeply-held values and affection for the family, enabling them to tackle whatever comes their way.

9. Dhak Dhak

  • Cast: Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza Rekhi, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanjana Sanghi
  • IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
  • Release year: 2023
  • Genre: Drama

The selection of Netflix films portraying contemporary women concludes with “Dhak Dhak”. In this road trip movie, Tarun Dudeja communicates that for women, age holds no significance when pursuing dreams. The journey of four women aboard their motorcycles to the world’s highest motorable pass underscores the relentless determination and strength of today’s women, regardless of their age.

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2024-08-28 16:25