STP Picks: 7 Best Female-Centric Movies of 2024

2024 witnessed a plethora of Indian films revolving around the complexities in the lives of women. Films offering everything from sisterhood tales and solidarity epics to intersectional perspectives and empowerment narratives—don’t always get the attention they deserve. But when they do, we notice.

Here is our pick of seven best women-led films of 2024:

Do Patti

Kanika Dhillon's Do Patti showcased the intertwined relationship between two estranged twin sisters Saumya Pundir and Shailee Pundir (dual role by Kriti Sanon). Their complicated sisterhood and their shared love for Dhruv Sood (Shaheer Sheikh) make them pit against each other. It was, however Inspector Vidya "VJ" Jyothi Kanwar (Kajol) who stole the show by perfectly enacting the complexity her character faced when asked to choose between going by books or choosing the right path. 

Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in)

Kanika Dhillon's Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba is the sequel of the 2021 film. Taapsee's portrayal of the scheming Rani Kashyap was a masterstroke in the world of complicated female characters. The plot twists keep the viewers hooked for hours, wanting to see more of the Netflix thriller. 

Bhakshak

Bhumi Pednekar's film, Bhakshak, sees her as a gutsy independent journalist who unearths a sexual abuse crime in a shelter home for orphan girls. The film sheds light on the importance of standing up against injustice and fighting for what's right. Produced by Gauri Khan, Bhakshak was an eye-opener to the prevailing crime against women.

Read our interview with Bhumi Pednekar here. 

Jigra

Satya (Alia Bhatt), is portrayed as fiercely protective, engaging in fights and resorting to extreme measures to save her brother. This time, her role is solely that of a sister, blurring the lines between right and wrong. Alia’s character is shown going to extreme lengths, even resorting to violence, to protect her brother.

Article 370

Article 370 was a gripping tale that depicts an important chapter of India’s history- Kashmir's tortured past. Yami Gautam's portrayal of an NIA agent Zooni Haksar grappling with the complexities of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir was one of the most impactful performances of 2024. 

Laapata Ladies

Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies brings us back to the roots. Thinking about the simplistic life in a village, and how often the desires of female members are suppressed. Laapataa Ladies is also India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards 2025. The film subtly highlights the importance of women's empowerment and how dreams catalyze strong individuality. Laapataa Ladies felt like a warm homecoming film, which takes us on a ride to explore a story that felt personal. 

The Buckingham Murders 

Jasmeet "Jass" Bhamra (Kareena Kapoor Khan), is a British-Indian detective and mother who, grappling with the loss of her child, is tasked with solving the murder of a 10-year-old in Buckinghamshire. Kareena's character navigates her grief while hunting for the murderer in a town where nearly everyone seems suspicious. The Buckingham Murders was a grappling mystery thriller that kept viewers hooked till the very end.