Navratri 2025 will be celebrated from September 22 to October 2. As devotees honor Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms, the festival also becomes a reminder of feminine strength, resilience, and courage. What better way to celebrate this spirit than by revisiting Bollywood films that showcase powerful women on screen? From espionage thrillers like Raazi to sports dramas such as Dangal, these movies highlight women breaking barriers, making them perfect viewing choices for this auspicious season.
1. Raazi (2018) – The Spy Who Redefined Patriotism
Alia Bhatt’s stellar performance as Sehmat Khan in Raazi is a landmark in female-led Indian cinema. The film, directed by Meghna Gulzar, tells the story of a young Kashmiri woman who marries into a Pakistani military family during the 1971 war to act as a spy for India.
What makes Raazi extraordinary is its balance—Sehmat is not a “superhero” but a relatable woman grappling with fear, duty, and emotional turmoil. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning ₹200 crore worldwide, proving that female-led films can dominate the box office.
👉 For Navratri: Sehmat embodies Maa Durga’s wisdom and courage, facing danger with determination while protecting her nation.
2. Mardaani (2014) – Fearless in the Fight Against Crime
Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani broke stereotypes by placing a woman as the central action hero in a gritty crime thriller. Playing Senior Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy, Rani takes on a ruthless human trafficking syndicate with grit and authority.
The film shattered the myth that action roles belong only to men. Rani’s portrayal of Shivani earned her acclaim for being realistic, powerful, and inspirational to women in law enforcement. Its success led to a sequel, Mardaani 2, reinforcing the character’s impact.
👉 For Navratri: Shivani symbolizes Maa Kali—fierce, fearless, and devoted to eradicating evil from society.
3. Mary Kom (2014) – A Champion’s Journey
Priyanka Chopra’s transformation into Olympic medalist Mary Kom is nothing short of remarkable. The biographical sports drama traces Mary’s rise from humble beginnings in Manipur to becoming a five-time World Amateur Boxing Champion.
The film highlighted not only her triumphs but also the struggles of balancing motherhood, personal life, and a demanding career. Priyanka’s performance was widely praised, earning her a National Film Award nomination, while Mary Kom’s real-life presence at the premiere elevated the film’s authenticity.
👉 For Navratri: Mary Kom mirrors Maa Shakti’s endurance and resilience, proving that with perseverance, women can conquer any challenge.
4. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) – Wings of Courage
Based on true events, Gunjan Saxena portrays the story of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, one of the first Indian Air Force women pilots to serve during the Kargil War. Played by Janhvi Kapoor, Gunjan navigates gender biases within the military while proving her courage in combat missions.
Though dramatized for cinema, the film’s core message—women thriving in male-dominated spaces—is powerful. It sparked discussions nationwide about gender equality in defense forces.
👉 For Navratri: Gunjan reflects Maa Durga’s unstoppable force, soaring against odds to protect the motherland.
5. Dangal (2016) – Wrestling With Stereotypes
Nitesh Tiwari’s Dangal isn’t just a sports film; it’s a cultural milestone. Aamir Khan plays Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trains his daughters Geeta and Babita Phogat (played by Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra) to become wrestling champions despite societal resistance.
The film grossed over ₹2,000 crore worldwide, becoming India’s highest-grossing movie. Beyond numbers, it reshaped how audiences viewed women in sports, sparking conversations about breaking gender barriers.
👉 For Navratri: Geeta and Babita channel Maa Durga’s warrior spirit, challenging patriarchy and emerging victorious.
6. Queen (2013) – A Journey of Self-Discovery
Kangana Ranaut’s Queen redefined Bollywood storytelling. The film follows Rani Mehra, a timid girl whose fiancé cancels their wedding. Instead of succumbing to despair, she embarks on a solo honeymoon across Europe, finding confidence and independence along the way.
Audiences connected deeply with the film’s empowering message, and it became a sleeper hit, earning over ₹200 crore globally. Kangana’s performance won her the National Film Award for Best Actress.
👉 For Navratri: Rani embodies Maa Parvati’s transformation—from vulnerability to inner strength—finding divinity within herself.
7. Kahaani (2012) – Mystery with a Maternal Edge
Vidya Balan’s Kahaani remains one of Bollywood’s finest thrillers. She plays Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata, only to reveal a shocking twist.
The film earned critical acclaim for treating its female lead not as a “token character” but as the central figure driving the suspense. Vidya’s performance won multiple awards, while the film’s storytelling proved female-driven thrillers could dominate the box office.
👉 For Navratri: Vidya’s character resonates with Maa Durga—seemingly gentle, yet harboring immense hidden power.
8. Tumhari Sulu (2017) – Finding Voice in Ordinary Life
In Tumhari Sulu, Vidya Balan shines as Sulochana Dubey, a middle-class homemaker who unexpectedly becomes a late-night radio jockey. The film highlights her journey of balancing domestic duties with newfound career aspirations.
The lighthearted yet inspiring story resonated with Indian audiences, especially women who saw themselves in Sulu’s struggles and triumphs. Vidya’s natural performance earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
👉 For Navratri: Sulu represents Maa Annapurna—nurturing yet ambitious, proving women can juggle family and self-growth.
9. Chhapaak (2020) – Courage Beyond Scars
Deepika Padukone’s Chhapaak tells the real-life story of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film portrays Malti’s painful yet inspiring fight for justice and dignity.
Though not a commercial blockbuster, the film was lauded for tackling a sensitive subject with honesty. Deepika’s raw performance highlighted the strength of women who refuse to be defined by trauma.
👉 For Navratri: Malti symbolizes Maa Durga’s resilience, turning suffering into strength.
10. Piku (2015) – Strength in Simplicity
Deepika Padukone’s Piku is a slice-of-life drama about a modern woman balancing her career and personal life while caring for her aging father (played by Amitabh Bachchan).
The film was loved for its realism and subtle storytelling, showing how strength also lies in everyday responsibilities. Deepika’s performance earned her widespread praise and multiple Best Actress awards.
👉 For Navratri: Piku reflects Maa Durga’s nurturing aspect, balancing love, care, and independence with grace.
Why These Films Resonate During Navratri 2025
Navratri is a celebration of the divine feminine—the strength, wisdom, and resilience of Goddess Durga in her nine forms. Each of these films mirrors those qualities through their heroines. From Raazi’s courage to Chhapaak’s resilience, they remind audiences of the power women hold in both extraordinary and everyday roles.
As India celebrates Navratri from September 22 to October 2, 2025, revisiting these films offers a cultural experience where devotion meets entertainment. These stories not only inspire but also reflect the ongoing transformation of Bollywood, where women are finally taking center stage.
