Bollywood films that pass the Bechdel test

Queen (2013): A lone woman embarks on a journey of discovery (albeit a romanticised one) through Europe. Where the film shines brightest is in its quiet moments that hone in on what it feels like to begin to question everything, aided by the intimate if transitory friendships of the road. Directed by Vikas Bahl, starring Kangana Ranaut.

Secret Superstar (2017): A Muslim teen played by Zaira Wasim dreams of being a singer. Her father tries to squash the dream, but she finds a pillar of support in her mother (Meher Vij), and together they begin a quest for fame. The two women’s many scenes together are designed as highlights of the admittedly predictable film. Directed by Advait Chandan; also starring Aamir Khan.

Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare (2019):

There’s a fierce restlessness that flows subcutaneously through this unexpected (if oddly titled) film starring Konkona Sen Sharma and Bhumi Pednekar. It touches upon sexual abuse in the home, trans identity, but it is a delicate, subtle story that, more than anything, explores what it takes (what it will take) to define oneself as a woman. Also starring Vikrant Massey. Directed by a woman to watch: Alankrita Shrivastava.

Badhaai Do (2022): Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar star as a gay man and a lesbian who decide to marry, hoping that at least then they can pursue their true identities. An actor from Arunachal Pradesh, Chum Darang, plays a woman from the north-east in a key role. It’s an immensely watchable film, funny in parts and pulls no punches. Directed by Harshavardhan Kulkarni.

English Vinglish (2012): Sridevi plays a sweet-tempered homemaker who suffers slights from her well-read husband and daughter because she can’t speak or understand English. She begins to see herself differently as she travels alone from Mumbai to New York for a niece’s wedding. Also written and directed by a woman, Gauri Shinde.

Special mention of Neeraj Ghaywan’s short film Geeli Pucchi (part of Ajeeb Daastaans; 2021), starring Konkona Sen Sharma and Aditi Rao Hydari, which tackles sexual identity as well as the serrated knives of caste and patriarchy, in a quiet but deeply unsettling 30 minutes.