Loved The Sisterhood In Laapataa Ladies? 7 More Films To Watch With Your Girls

If there is a night stay with my girlfriends, then we are watching Queen, there are no two ways about it. The movie is amazing —acting, storyline, solo travel, character growth— but the bond between Vijay Laxmi and Rani will always remain extra special. Both characters put roots in each other, help each other in how they need it, and empower each other. Props to Lisa Haydon, who made the character so fun and charming. We absolutely cannot forget the dadi here, whose 'jo milna hota hai, vo mil kar hi rehta hai'  advice always inserts a little peace into our hearts and souls.

I have reached for this movie on several occasions in my life, especially after bickering with my mother. And though it captures a beautiful journey and always provides far more perspective, the bond between Radha and Shahsi is something that I celebrate the most. As Shashi (Sri Devi) takes off on a journey to New York to help her sister prepare for a wedding, her quest to learn English sparks a journey of self-exploration. Radha is her only secret keeper, who helps her, provides her with emotional support, and pushes her towards new opportunities and challenges. Their bond is one of the main reasons Sri Devi's character achieves new heights.

If there is only one movie you take away from this list, let it be this one. Parched portrays four women navigating life in a deeply patriarchal, rudimentary world as they join forces to find their little freedoms. Each character and their crises are well thought out, bringing them together to fight the patriarchal structure while helping each other with emotional needs and support.

My favourite part of the film is the interaction between Bijli and Rani at night when she comes to drop her husband at home. Two women who have been fighting relentless battles all their lives finally sit together and talk to reveal their sorrows, hopes, dreams, and troubles, which sparks a strong sense of sisterhood. This film is an absolute gem and would leave you in a state of hopeful flux.

Directed by Nida Manzoor, Polite Society is a hilarious comedy about two sisters helping each other as one of them is about to lose all her hopes in the institution of marriage. This movie is an absolute treat and another strong recommendation for a night in with your girlies.

Though sisterhood is by blood here, we see Ria's female friends come together to pull off her action plan and help Lena (the older sister) escape. Covering all bases of South-Asian problematic traditionalism, diaspora, British wryness, and well, the 'I am the Fury' quip, this movie is bound to leave you in splits and smash the imposed 'politeness on women' through art, action, and a lot of fun dialogues.

Absolutely stellar in its depiction of women's desires, dreams, and longings, Lipstick Under My Burkha is a heartfelt attempt at more inclusive cinema and art. It's about the lives of four women from different backgrounds and settings intertwined as they attempt to break free from societal constraints and pursue their desires. They support each other by providing space to talk and vent, offering hope and vision.

I particularly love the narrative trajectory of Ratna Pathak Shah's character, Usha Buaji. She brilliantly portrays her crises and desires, ultimately breaking free from her dilemmas on her terms. That was some fantastic acting.

Adapted from the Malyali film Perumazhakkalam, Dor brings two women together who help each other find redemption while exploring a beautiful bond of sisterhood and support. The film is set in the patriarchal town of Rajasthan, which adds to its uniqueness. As the story progresses, Zeenat and Mira remind each other of their lost personhood and who they are outside the male-centric confines of marriage. Both characters defy conventional notions of female friendships, coming together from entirely different backgrounds to forge a new sense of female solidarity that is truly beautiful to watch. This female camaraderie is incredibly special, making Dor one of my favourite films.

Translating to 'Ladies Only', Magalir Mattum, released in 1994, is a comedy film that has become a cult favourite. Produced by Kamal Hassan and written by Crazy Mohan, this movie is hilarious, super fun and celebrates sisterhood in the most empowering ways. A series of situations unfold where three women find themselves holding their misogynistic, womanizing boss captive and finally taking charge. From beginning to end, this movie keeps you on your toes. There is also a 2017 adaptation, which I've heard equally good things about.