Our Bureau
Mumbai
India’s 79th Independence Day is shining a spotlight on the nation’s most powerful female film performances, with movies like “Raazi” and “Manikarnika” leading the celebration of grit, sacrifice, and patriotism on screen. As the tricolour flutters high and celebrations unfold nationwide, both audiences and critics are reflecting on cinematic portrayals that mirror the indomitable spirit of Indian women through history and fiction.
Alia Bhatt’s nuanced portrayal of Sehmat Khan in “Raazi” stands out among recent films. Based on real events, Bhatt plays a young Kashmiri woman who risks everything as an undercover agent in 1971, gathering critical intelligence for India. Her performance brings out both the vulnerability and the steely courage that define unsung heroes, making “Raazi” a must-watch for viewers seeking stories of understated heroism.
Equally celebrated is Kangana Ranaut’s fierce depiction of Rani Lakshmi Bai in “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.” The film dramatizes the legendary queen’s rebellion against the British, showcasing an icon whose defiance became a rallying cry for India’s freedom movement. Ranaut’s performance, marked by intensity and passion, brings history to life and inspires contemporary audiences.
Other standout films this Independence Day include “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl,” where Janhvi Kapoor portrays one of the Indian Air Force’s first female combat pilots, and “Neerja,” with Sonam Kapoor embodying real-life flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life to save passengers during a hijacking. Each film offers a distinct lens into the many ways women have contributed to the nation, both in battle and in moments of crisis.
As 2025’s Independence Day unfolds, these cinematic stories serve as a tribute, not just to historic figures, but also to every woman whose quiet resilience has shaped India’s journey to freedom.
