August’s Delight: Resilient Female Protagonists on Screen
Step into the world of August’s cinematic offerings where strong and resilient women take center stage. This article is all about incredible stories where robust and determined women shine as the stars. From thrilling adventures to heartwarming moments, these reviews serve as your guide to the fantastic world of dynamic female protagonists that graced the screen in August 2023.
1. Heart of Stone
In “Heart of Stone,” the spy thriller genre gets a fresh infusion of empowerment through its formidable female leads. Gal Gadot impresses as Rachel Stone, a Bond-esque agent from the Charter, a shadowy global peacekeeping unit. Alia Bhatt shines as Keya Chavan, an electrifying counter-agent. The film’s formulaic elements are revitalized by the dynamic performances, celebrating the potency of women in traditionally male-dominated roles. With a thrilling blend of practical and special effects, “Heart of Stone” offers an empowering and captivating cinematic experience.
2. Akelli
Nushrat Bharucha takes the lead in the Bollywood thriller “Akelli.” Directed by Pranay Meshram, the film’s recent trailer launch has sparked anticipation and a positive audience response. Based on a true story, “Akelli” follows Jyoti (Nushrat), an ordinary girl from Punjab trapped in war-torn Iraq. The film’s gripping premise and strong performances, particularly by Nushrat, promise a thought-provoking experience.
3. Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop
“Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop” is a celebratory documentary series highlighting the often overlooked contributions of female MCs, DJs, producers, and industry figures in the hip-hop genre over the last 50 years. Presented in four 45-minute episodes, the series navigates the landscape from its origin to the present day, emphasizing the importance of women’s voices. Director Hannah Beachler crafts a heartfelt narrative, spotlighting trailblazers like Queen Latifah and Monie Love. While the series effectively showcases female achievements, it occasionally sidesteps the industry’s darker aspects, leaving a slightly incomplete but invigorating tribute. The series premiered on Sky Documentaries and was released on Netflix on August 9, 2023.
4. The Jengaburu Curse
“The Jengaburu Curse,” a seven-episode climate-fiction series directed by Nila Madhab Panda, ambitiously addresses the climate crisis through a thriller set in Odisha’s remote region. Fariah Abdulla’s portrayal of Priya Das, investigating her missing father’s case, attempts to uncover corporate malfeasance and environmental issues. The series shines with its powerful performances and commitment to authenticity through real locations and local customs. With engaging storytelling, it successfully conveys the importance of preserving nature and indigenous rights. Streaming on Sony LIV, it’s an earnest attempt at addressing climate concerns within a thriller narrative.
5. Taali
Sushmita Sen’s exceptional performance in “Taali” stands out as she portrays the inspiring journey of Shreegauri Sawant, a third-gender rights advocate. Sen’s nuanced portrayal of Gauri, complete with authentic mannerisms, is commendable and heart-touching. Director Ravi Jadhav’s honest attempt to bring this story to life shines through, and the involvement of real transgenders in supporting roles adds authenticity. The hard-hitting dialogues and emotional depth of the series create a powerful impact. The biopic successfully delves into identity, survival, and equality for the third-gender community.
Staff Reporter
