Recent years have seen a revitalizing flow of Hindi cinema and other streaming services presenting films and series that question conventional standards, feature resilient female roles, and emphasize female self-assurance. “These narratives now transcend traditional supporting positions and stereotypical depictions, fervently honoring female fortitude, endurance, and adaptability.” Whether it is overcoming society’s rules, breaking high-level barriers, or dealing with unfair treatment based on gender, these tales inspire lots of people and lead to important discussions.
TOP 5 OTT SERIES EXEMPLIFY WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
THE MAGIC OF SHRI
The Shri series, which premiered on Disney+ Hotstar, showcases strong female characters with diverse traits who challenge conventional gender roles. It focuses on Shri, an independent and fearless female protagonist who defies the norm.’”. Through her portrayal of women in powerful and intricate roles, Shri encourages them to recognize their strength, intelligence, and independence, ultimately leading to a shift towards gender equality in both the entertainment industry and society.
SAAS BAHU OR FLAMINGO
The Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo series, which launched on Disney+Hotstar in 2023, showcases strong female characters who challenge traditional gender roles. The narrative centers around a formidable matriarch, Rani, and her daughter-in-law, Shanta, as they maneuver through a criminal empire. By portraying women as leaders and decision-makers, the series dismantles stereotypes, emphasizing their resilience and independence in a male-dominated environment, and empowering viewers by celebrating their strength and resourcefulness.
KATHAL
Kathal, a Jackfruit Mystery, is a feminist empowerment program that challenges gender norms. In the show, Sanya Malhotra portrays a determined cop who is succeeding in what is traditionally seen as male-dominated work. It highlights her power, intelligence, and leadership qualities in investigations, defying societal norms. Through her portrayal of women as capable, self-reliant, and fearless, Kathal encourages viewers to rethink traditional gender roles and promote equality.
BOMBAY BEGUMS
In Netflix’s “Bombay Begums,” the series delves into the trials faced by five Mumbai-based women navigating the challenges of business endeavors, romantic dynamics, and self-evolution. This show discusses how women are strong and smart, breaking old ideas about what women can be.
Renowned figures like Rani, played by Pooja Bhatt, contest mainstream roles, underscoring the importance of autonomy and personal articulation in a patriarchal culture. This rewritten sentence retains the meaning of the original but uses synonyms for certain words (‘portrayed’ to ‘played,’ ‘highlighting’ to ‘underscoring).
SHARMAJEE KI BETI
The OTT series Sharmajee Ki Beti challenges conventional gender norms by portraying women as capable and self-sufficient individuals. By exploring the aspirations and hardships of female characters, the show challenges conventional understandings about life, such as marriage or career, and society. By allowing women to explore their identities, pursue personal goals, and push the boundaries of traditional practices, it fosters gender equality and encourages viewers to reevaluate past assumptions.
WHY DOES WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT ON SCREEN MATTER?
The importance of films and series lies in their capacity to challenge stereotypes, increase women’s voices, and bring about positive change within society. By depicting women as resilient, self-reliant, and fearless individuals, Bollywood and streaming platforms play a significant role in shifting perceptions.
CONCLUSION
OTT platforms have undergone a significant shift towards portraying women’s empowerment, moving away from the traditional focus on tokenism. In these stories, the women are central figures who shape the narrative and challenge societal norms. The entertainment industry’s continuous dissemination of these stories is crucial in fostering a future where women’s empowerment and gender equality are more than just dreams.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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