Female centric films of Bollywood released in 2014

Rani Mukerji as Dawood’s sister: Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji, who has proved her versatality with films like Black, Veer Zaara, Yuva and Hum Tum, is expected to be soon seen in a biopic on Dawood Ibrahim's sister Haseena.
According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Apoorva Lakhia's film, titled Haseena is expected to go on floors by November. The director is in talks with Rani Mukerji to essay the title role. A source close to the filmmaker says, "Till late last year, Apoorva was in touch with Haseena and her family. He wants to ensure that every detail is right. He has himself spent a lot of time with Haseena to understand the complexities of her life."
Explaining the reason behind the director's choice of actress, the source adds, "Apoorva believes that Rani will do complete justice to the role. She can pull-off the part with confidence and aplomb, which is why he zeroed down on her." The actress, who hasn't done a biopic yet, has shown interest in the project and is even considering the idea of putting on weight to ensure she resembles Haseena. Apoorva is also planning workshops for his actors, the lead actress in particular, so that she can learn her distinctive mannerisms.

Encouraging box-office business of films like The Dirty Picture and Kahaani reinforced the belief of filmmakers in women-centric scripts. These films not only did wonders for the actresses who acted in them but also opened doors for filmmakers to take risks with subjects revolving around female protagonists. However, not everyone could create magic at the ticket windows and most of the women-centric films released during the first half of 2014 have failed to impress the audience. Only a few have been able to set the cash registers ringing and earn appreciation too.

Khoobsurat: Sonam Kapoor proved her talent last year with films like Raanjhana and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Though the beginning of the year has not been in the favour of the actress what with Bewakoofiyaan not living up to expectations but Sonam sure did impress in Khoobsurat. It is not an easy job to remake a Hrishikesh Mukherjee film but Sonam and her sister Rhea took the plunge and managed to soar.

Mary Kom: Bollywood diva Priyanka Chopra, who has never shied away from experimenting with her roles is seen playing the role of boxer Mary Kom in the film. The actress, who has essayed some difficult roles in the past and has the record of playing maximum characters in What's Your Rashee, managed to impress as the five-time world champion boxer - Mary Kom. Her portrayal of Jhilmil in Barfi! was much loved.

Mardaani: The newly-minted bahu of the Yashraj khandaan, Rani Mukerji was shying away from the silver screen after Talaash but returned soon after her marriage. The actress chose a serious subject of women trafficking to make her comeback. Though Rani has always done justice to her roles, it seems that the viewers were not too pleased to see her in a cop's avatar. The film received a lukewarm response at the box-office while critics appreciated Rani's performance and the film was made tax free in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Bobby Jasoos: Though Vidya Balan created magic at the box-office with her women oriented films like Kahaani and The Dirty Picture, her detective drama Bobby Jasoos couldn't pull in the crowds. Vidya managed to hit the right chord with the audience in terms of her 12 different avatars but the film turned out to be a major let down for her fans and movie buffs. Despite all the hype and promotions, Bobby Jasoos couldn't recreate the magic

Revolver Rani: We all had sky high expectations with this Kangana Ranuat-Vir Das-starrer especially after her super successful film Queen. From critics to the aam janta, everyone had their eyes on Kangana's Revolver Rani. However, Sai Kabir's Revolver Rani which was a satirical love story against the backdrop of politics, failed miserably. In fact even Kangana's fans were not impressed with the actress's desi gangster avatar in the film.

Gulaab Gang: 'Dhak Dhak' beauty Madhuri Dixit, who bid adieu to Bollywood and took a sabbatical from films to raise her children, couldn't stay away from the silver screen for long. Her passion for films brought her back to Bollywood. Madhuri, who ruled Bollywood with versatile roles and killer dance moves made her comeback with Gulaab Gang. However, even the hard hitting subject and the strong star cast couldn't save the film. Though the actress was praised for her performance in the film, Gulaab Gang received a poor response at the box-office and turned out to be a dud.

Dedh Ishqiya: Madhuri Dixit and Huma Qureshi-starrer Dedh Ishqiya was also a woman-centric film in its own right. The sequel to Ishqiya, revolved around new characters played by Madhuri and Huma and also carried forward the drama in the lives of Khalujaan and Babban. The multi-starrer film had some brilliant performances. The film also talked about the LGBT community which is a subject that has not been touched by mainstream Bollywood. The film however, did a decent job at the ticket windows.

Queen: This was probably one of the best gifts that Bollywood received on International Women's Day. Kangana Ranaut-starrer Queen that released on Women's Day swept everyone off their feet. Kangana's effortless performance of a simple girl from Rajouri made the audience fall in love with her. From Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan to the aam janta, everyone praised Kangana's performance. The film proved to be a critical and comercial success. Kangana's performance and Vikas Bahl's direction gave the Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla starrer Gulaab Gang a run for its money.

Lakshmi: National Award-winning director Nagesh Kukunoor has made some heart-wrenching films. Be it Iqbal or Dor, the director has always touched people's lives with his films. In 2014, Nagesh brought Lakshmi to the audience. Though his film was not a commercially successful one, it definitely won the hearts of the critics.