How female actors are demolishing their damsel in distress stereotype in cinema

India Today

08-07-2025

Priyanka Chopra, in her latest film 'Heads of State', is redefining action scenes and proving that female characters no longer need a man to save them from distress. Women in Indian cinema are no longer sidekicks in their own stories. They're front and centre, and unapologetically powerful!Remember when female characters were included in films just to add glamour? Well, that script is outdated. Today's audiences demand substance, and female actors are rising to the occasion with roles that challenge norms, question systems, and even lead revolutions.advertisementIn 'Heads of State', Priyanka plays MI6 agent Noel Bisset, a no-nonsense operative tasked with protecting high-profile politicians. She's not your typical secret agent; she's a powerhouse who takes down goons with ease and performs jaw-dropping stunts that leave you stunned. And it's not just about brute force, the way she handles her guns, with ease, is sure to make you fall in love with her character. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra)
The climax scene features Priyanka Chopra in some of the most intense and brutal fight sequences, and the way she executes them only proves her versatility. While there isn't much scope for nuanced performance in a film as light as this, she still holds her own against the two leading men.Another project where she showed her acting prowess was the Russo Brothers' 'Citadel'. A Prime Video series, it featured her taking down corrupt agencies and making espionage look both brutal and glamorous.In 'Citadel', she isn't just a spy, she's the spy. Jumping off buildings, executing flawless combat choreography, and outsmarting shady operatives, she's the boss lady who doesn't need backup. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra)While we were still reeling from Priyanka Chopra's action sequences, another actor who took us right into that zone is Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Her action stunts alongside Varun Dhawan in 'Honey Bunny' were a total surprise package. Far from playing a victim or a love interest, she is the chaos. Packed with sass, action, and razor-sharp dialogue, the actor brought to life a fierce, unbothered assassin who'd rather break bones than hearts.This transformation marked an exciting pivot in her career, away from the girl-next-door vibe to a full-on femme fatale. She even gave a glimpse of that edge in 'Family Man 2' where she played a deadly terrorist. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin)While we praise these leading ladies for changing the dynamics in acting, we cannot miss Alia Bhatt. Someone who is celebrated for her powerhouse performances in emotionally intense films was a complete surprise package in her Hollywood debut 'Heart of Stone' alongside Gal Gadot. The new playground for the actor was filled with explosions, espionage, and elbow strikes.Playing Keya Dhawan, a tech prodigy with dangerous secrets, Bhatt's character is sharp, strategic, and emotionally layered. But what took audiences by surprise was her physical transformation. From hand-to-hand combat to slick tactical manoeuvres, Alia trained rigorously for the role, and it showed in every action sequence.One of the key highlights of her character was when she is seen engaging in a brutal fight inside a high-security lab, blocking hits, landing precise kicks, and using her environment to her advantage. There's no damsel in distress here, just a woman outsmarting and outpunching the best in the game.For someone who hadn't done full-blown action before, Alia was a complete surprise as she jumped in headfirst.If we are talking about female actors completely changing the action curveball in cinema, Katrina Kaif's name shouldn't be missed. From 'Ek Tha Tiger' to 'Tiger Zinda Hai', the actor as an ISI agent, Zoya, is a walking, talking, spine-cracking rebel to anyone who thinks women can't lead action.
Credit: YRF
advertisementAlthough we would look out for Salman Khan and his unmissable swag in the film, Kaif made sure that her presence is felt in every scene. Someone who can kill, heal, and dance, all before the next explosion. She's not just Khan's partner, she's his equal and, often, his saviour.Today's female stars aren't waiting for a knight in shining armour, they're suiting up on their own. These women are challenging long-standing gender tropes with every punch, chase, and witty one-liner.And what's the best part? Audiences love it. In an industry still catching up with the idea of women leading action franchises, we can just wait to see what refreshing element they will be bringing to the films.- EndsTrending Reel