For decades, commercial Telugu cinema largely revolved around male superstars, with women often relegated to supporting roles or romantic interests. But every now and then, a film comes along that flips the script, proving that audiences are just as eager, if not more, to cheer for a woman leading the story.
With recent releases like Ma Inti Bangaram and Blast once again bringing women-led action into the spotlight, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the films that have redefined female representation in Tollywood.
1. Arundhati (2009)
If there’s one film that changed the landscape for women-centric Telugu cinema, it’s Arundhati.
Anushka Shetty delivered a career-defining performance as both Arundhati and her fearless ancestor Jejamma, taking on the terrifying Pasupathi in one of Telugu cinema’s most memorable fantasy thrillers. The film proved that a female-led blockbuster could dominate the box office without relying on a male superstar.
2. Bhagamathi (2018)
Another landmark performance from Anushka Shetty, Bhagamathi blended political drama, horror, and psychological suspense into a gripping narrative.
What begins as the story of a government officer accused of corruption soon transforms into an eerie tale of revenge and resilience. Anushka carried the film almost single-handedly, reaffirming her position as one of Telugu cinema’s strongest female performers.
3. Ma Inti Bangaram (2026)
One of the newest additions to the list, Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Ma Inti Bangaram signals the return of women-led action entertainers.
The film places Samantha at the centre of an intense action narrative, portraying a woman who refuses to be a victim and instead fights back. Its strong response reflects audiences’ growing appetite for female action heroes in mainstream Telugu cinema.
4. Mahanati (2018)
Few biopics have left an impact as profound as Mahanati.
Keerthy Suresh’s National Award-winning portrayal of the legendary actress Savitri was both emotionally devastating and deeply inspiring. The film beautifully chronicled the meteoric rise and tragic fall of one of Indian cinema’s greatest icons while reminding audiences of the immense pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry.
5. Oh! Baby (2019)
What would you do if you suddenly became young again?
That’s the delightful premise of Oh! Baby, starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Equal parts comedy, fantasy, and emotional family drama, the film celebrated second chances, self-discovery, and the dreams women often sacrifice for their families.
6. Rudhramadevi (2015)
History rarely gives women the spotlight, but Rudhramadevi certainly did.
Based on the life of the Kakatiya queen Rudrama Devi, the epic historical drama showcased Anushka Shetty as a fearless warrior and capable ruler. The film celebrated leadership, courage, and the often-overlooked contributions of women to Indian history.
7. Size Zero (2015)
Long before body positivity became a mainstream conversation, Size Zero dared to address unrealistic beauty standards and the pressure women face to conform to society’s idea of the “perfect body.”
Anushka Shetty underwent a remarkable physical transformation for the role, gaining significant weight to authentically portray an overweight woman navigating love, confidence, and relentless societal judgment. Rather than relying on glamour, the film emphasized self-worth, reminding audiences that beauty isn’t defined by a number on the weighing scale.
Though the film received mixed reviews upon release, it has since been appreciated for tackling an issue that remains deeply relevant today. It also stands as one of the boldest performances of Anushka Shetty’s career, proving once again that women-led films can be entertaining while delivering a meaningful social message.
Women Are No Longer Side Characters
From horror and historical epics to fantasy, comedy, biopics, and action thrillers, Telugu cinema has gradually expanded the space available for women to lead compelling stories.
The recent success of female-led films suggests that audiences are no longer looking only for larger-than-life heroes. They’re equally invested in larger-than-life heroines.
With projects like Ma Inti Bangaram and a new wave of women-led action films arriving in theatres, the future of Tollywood looks increasingly inclusive.
Because sometimes, the strongest hero in the story isn’t a hero at all. It’s a heroine.
