8 years of Lipstick Under My Burkha: 6 films that follow its trailblazing path

A quiet rebellion emerged in Lipstick Under My Burkha (2017), directed by Alankrita Shrivastava. Portraying four women in a rural Indian setting in the face of patriarchy, censorship, and repressed desires, it ignited conversations about femininity, independence, and empowerment.

Its 2017 release initiated a movement among Indian filmmakers who have subsequently steered clear of conventional narratives to focus on shedding light on sensitive subjects, such as gender, class, sexuality, and power. Instead of being entertaining, these movies encouraged viewers to contemplate social norms and confront unacknowledged realities. We showcase six of these pieces for their bold, raw, and refreshingly truthful portrayals of women and marginalized voices.

Nude (2018) – ZEE5 through OTTplay Premium

Nude is a motivating story about a single mother from Mumbai named Yamuna who, to fund her son’s art school, works as a nude model. The narrative is a touching depiction of strength and dignity. The movie opposes the stigma imposed on women by societal norms and scrutiny, and it reveals the hypocrisy surrounding women’s bodies in society. In Ravi Jadhav’s world, embracing vulnerability is a form of empowerment, and calm defiance is essential for voicing concerns.

Juice (2017) – Lionsgate Play through OTTplay Premium

Juice harshly criticizes the patriarchy within the household in its concise 14 minutes. The tension evolves into a silent rebellion as Shefali Shah’s character exercises in the kitchen while the men occupy the living room. The film uncovers widespread gender inequality in public spaces without employing confrontational language. It’s a powerful depiction of rebellion wrapped in ordinary home life.

Haraamkhor (2017) – JioHotstar through OTTplay Premium

Haraamkhor delves into the intricate relationship between a young girl and her educator in the context of a dusty rural classroom. A clear power imbalance exists, and the atmosphere feels disturbingly authentic. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Shweta Tripathi deliver unsettling performances that leave the audience feeling uneasy, not due to an exaggerated plot but because it is chillingly authentic. The film provides confrontation, not comfort.

Margarita with a Straw (2014) – JioHotstar through OTTplay Premium

Shonali Bose’s intensely personal film depicts Laila, a young woman with cerebral palsy, as she discovers herself through her exploration of sexuality, identity, and an increasing sense of independence. Kalki Koechlin’s intricate performance gently enhances a rarely depicted story in Indian cinema. The movie softly challenges biases and reminds audiences that everyone deserves the right to want, love, and have independence.

Anaarkali of Aarah (2017) – JioHotstar through OTTplay Premium

Residing in the rural Bihar area, Anaarkali earns her livelihood by performing songs with double entendres, yet she holds strong convictions regarding consent. When a strong man exceeds her limits, she doesn’t retreat; rather, she stands her ground. Swara Bhasker’s intensity underpins a narrative that restores authority for women in the frequently ignored domain of performance venues. The unapologetic and feminist Anaarkali of Aarah is raw and unfiltered.

Love Sonia (2018) – JioHotstar through OTTplay Premium

Love Sonia is inspired by real events and recounts the struggle of a girl trying to rescue her sister from the grips of human trafficking. A consistent depiction of systemic oppression—combined with defiance and the resilience of humanity—unfolds as situations progress. Disturbing, intense, and crucial, the film urges viewers to delve deeper than the surface-level conversations about global human trafficking.

These films are challenging, yet they are essential. These narratives each introduce something fresh and provide a stage for individuals whose voices are not frequently acknowledged. In their battles against systemic abuse or personal domestic defiance, these films serve as strong reminders of cinema’s capacity to challenge, provoke, and transform.