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Bhumi Pednekar Laments Shrinking Women-Led Stories in Mainstream Cinema

Actress Bhumi Pednekar expressed that it is heartbreaking to see the space for women-led narratives shrinking in mainstream cinema. She highlighted that OTT platforms have emerged as a powerful alternative, offering stronger and more meaningful roles for female actors. According to Pednekar, these digital platforms allow actresses to explore more layered and courageous characters. She concluded that OTT provides the right platform for women to choose substantial scripts.

Key Points: Bhumi Pednekar on Women-Led Stories Shrinking in Mainstream Films

  • Women-led stories shrinking in mainstream cinema
  • OTT platforms offer stronger narratives for women
  • Actresses exploring more courageous roles
  • Digital space provides great opportunities
2 min read

Bhumi Pednekar says it's 'heartbreaking' to see women-led stories shrinking in mainstream cinema

Actress Bhumi Pednekar calls it heartbreaking that women-led narratives are shrinking in mainstream cinema but finds hope in OTT platforms.

"I feel with OTT, especially for women, the narrative has become a lot stronger. - Bhumi Pednekar"

Mumbai, March 31

Actress Bhumi Pednekar, who recently attended the International Film Festival Delhi 2026, believes that while the space for women-led narratives may be shrinking in mainstream cinema, the rise of OTT platforms has opened up stronger and more meaningful opportunities for female actors.

"I feel with OTT, especially for women, the narrative has become a lot stronger because a lot of those shows, a lot of those films are led by women, which is maybe shrinking in mainstream cinema," Bhumi, who started her film journey in an unconventional role in the 2015 film "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", said.

"Unfortunately, it's really heartbreaking that that's happening," added the actress, who was then seen in meaningful cinema such as Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Bala and Saand Ki Aankh.

She acknowledged that digital platforms have emerged as a powerful alternative, offering rich and diverse roles driven by women. According to her, this shift has allowed actresses to explore more layered and courageous roles.

"But at the same time, there's a rise of these platforms where we get great opportunities. So absolutely, I think women have always been a lot more courageous, and they are a lot more brave while choosing their scripts."

"And I think OTT just kind of gives them the right platform," concluded Bhumi, who did not shy away from playing characters with substance, such as a closeted lesbian in Badhaai Do, social dramas Bheed, Afwaah and Bhakshak.

She was last seen in Daldal, a psychological crime thriller television series created by Suresh Triveni and directed by Amrit Raj Gupta. The series is based on Vish Dhamija's bestselling novel Bhendi Bazaar.

Daldal follows DCP Rita Ferreira, the youngest officer to head the Mumbai Crime Branch, as she is drawn into a tense, emotionally exhaustive investigation into a brutal serial killer terrorising the city.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
It's a business at the end of the day. If women-led stories made as much money as Salman or Shah Rukh's films, producers would make more. But OTT has changed the game - less pressure on box office means more risks can be taken. Good for actors like Bhumi.
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Ananya R
Heartbreaking indeed! I grew up watching Sridevi and Madhuri dominate the screen. Today, even a talented actress is often just the "love interest". OTT is a blessing, but we need our big-screen heroines back. Theatres should have space for all kinds of stories.
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Siddharth J
Respectfully, I think the issue is overstated. Content is king. If the story is good, it will find its audience regardless of who leads it. Look at the success of "Kantara" or "12th Fail" - not exactly star-driven. The medium (OTT vs theatre) is less important than the script.
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Kavya N
Bhumi herself is proof of this shift! From "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" to "Badhaai Do" – she chose OTT for bold topics. Mainstream cinema wants safe bets. As an audience, I'm happier paying for Netflix and watching complex women than buying a ticket for a mindless masala film.
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Vikram M
True. But let's not forget the economics. A family of four spends 2000+ on theatre tickets and snacks. They want a guaranteed "paisa vasool" experience, which often means action and comedy. OTT is cheaper per view, so niche content thrives. It's just

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