Women Film Directors To Watch Out For In 2020

Indian women have embarked upon many journeys and have managed to engrave their names in history of India in almost all spheres. But be it behind the camera or in front of it, the talented female Bollywood squad is yet to conquer the world of cinema. It is a trait of women to break barriers and go beyond imagination to create pieces that not only touch hearts but leave an impact on the minds as well. Women directors have thus made their name in the industry.

Women have been directing blockbusters for many years. The innovative filmmakers have been leading the lists and are capable of achieving more heights in the future to come. From aiming to give a new perspective to cinema and highlighting important issues to creating the best works for the sole purpose of entertainment, women have proved their calibre in this field. Some of the major filmmakers that left an imprint on peoples’ minds in 2019 are the ones to watch out for in 2020, read on:

Zoya Akhtar

Murad, the protagonist of Gully Boy revealed the harsh realities of many people through rapping. A unique story added to the amazing actors made this film a big hit. Zoya received acclaim globally for this beautiful film. It is 2019's fifth highest-grossing Bollywood film worldwide, and the year's highest-grossing Bollywood film overseas. Akhtar won the Best Director Award at Screen Awards 2019. Apart from this, she is known for Dil Dhadakne Do and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara.

Zoya Akhtar

Shonali Bose

The Sky is Pink, which revolves around the life of Aisha who is diagnosed with SCID, a genetic disorder that moved many hearts. With Farhan Akhtar and Priyanka Chopra playing the parents, the film makes the audience experience a variety of emotions. The film's direction and story were applauded. Bose also gained fame for the 2014 movie Margarita with a Straw.

The women in society will continue to have some of the best stories to tell in the most beautiful ways. All they need is a little support from viewers so that Bollywood has more of them coming up as a competition for their male counterparts.

Shelly Chopra Dhar

Courage is what it takes to write and direct a movie that was ahead of its age, a lesbian love story, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga. Dhar gave a new perspective to Bollywood romcoms with a non-straight protagonist. The film, with a distinct storyline and an appropriate character portrayal, succeeded in pleasing the crowd and garnered praise. Shelly had joined a film school in Michigan when her kids had started going to school. She was the oldest in her class which in itself is an inspirational story as people generally are shy to learn at an old age. She has earlier worked with the prominent director, Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Also read: Why Are Regressive Dialogues Still A Thing In Bollywood Films?

Kangana Ranaut

Mostly known for her acting and bold personality, Kangana Ranaut co-directed her first film Krish. A period drama, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, based on the life of Rani Lakshmibai was a success on the silver screen and managed to enter the 100 crore club. Ranaut breathe life into her character with her exemplary acting skills. Moreover, she left her mark as a plausible debutant director in the industry.

Kangana Ranaut

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Nandita Das

The prominent author and movie director directed Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyu Aata Hai? Much like the other drama masterpieces created by her, this again was a crime drama movie. It was a 1980 cult classic retold by Das but in spite of the beautiful story had its flaws and did not receive much appreciation. Nandita is widely known for her acting and direction in feature films. She has won accolades for numerous performances and has always tried to keep the classics alive in the contemporary Indian cinema.

Mitali Ghoshal

22 Yards is a sports drama film directed by sports journalist turned filmmaker Mitali Ghoshal. It premiered at the 2018 Bay Area South Asian Film Festival (BASAFF) and released in Indian theatres on 15 March 2019. 22 Yards is centered on a successful sports agent and his fall from grace. The film delves into the commercial aspects of sports. Although it was not much of a success on Box Office, it got Ghoshal an entry into Bollywood direction.

Shilpi Dasgupta

Shilpi Dasgupta made her debut as a director in Bollywood with Sonakshi-starrer Khaandaani Shafakhaana. The coming-of-age movie has portrayed the female protagonist as the sole breadwinner of the family, thus, coming up with a unique story for the male-dominated society.

From aiming to give a new perspective to cinema and highlighting important issues to creating the best works for the sole purpose of entertainment, women have proved their calibre in this field.

Read Also: Chhapaak Trailer Promises Inspiring Journey Of An Acid Attack Survivor

Also read: Male Characters From Bollywood Films That We Loved In 2019

The women in society will continue to have some of the best stories to tell in the most beautiful ways. All they need is a little support from viewers so that Bollywood has more of them coming up as a competition for their male counterparts.

Saavriti is an intern with SheThePeople.TV