The previous year was a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic shaped our lives in more ways than one. As we spent more time inside our homes and in front of our screens, the time and opportunity available to watch curated content increased. No longer did we require to go to the theatre to watch films, we could enjoy our favourite blockbusters from the comfort of our couches.

On National Girl Child Day, here are a few female-centric movies (including a documentary) that were released in 2020. One can definitely check them out, to commemorate the day.

1. Chhappaak

Directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by her along with Bollywod actor Deepika Padukone, the film is based on the life of acid-attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Padukone is in the lead role of Malti, along with actors Vikrant Massey and Madhurjeet Sarghi in supporting roles. The film, released on 10 January 2020, was praised by critics for its nuanced portrayal of the trials and tribulations of the character, including the arduous court battle that followed the incident. 

2. A Call to Spy

Starring India’s very own Radhika Apte, alongside Hollywood actors Stana Katic (‘Castle’) and Sarah Megan Thomas, this historical drama narrates the stories of three women who worked as spies in Winston Churchill’s Secret Army, during World War II. It is based on true events, and the lives of Virginia Hall, Noor Inayat Khan and Vera Atkins. It was released on Amazon Prime Video on October 2, 2020. 

3. I Am Greta

This documentary streamed exclusively on platform Hulu from 13 November 2020. Directed by Nathan Grossman, the documentary showcases the 18-year-old activist Greta Thunberg’s efforts to fight climate change and bring the issue to the forefront at the international level. 

4. Thappad

Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the film stars actor Taapsee Pannu in the lead role of a devoted housewife whose life unexpectedly changes when she is slapped by her husband (played by Pavail Gulati).  Sinha co-produced this film with Bhushan Kumar of T-Series. It was released in theatres on 28 February 2020.

5. Wonder Woman: 1984

This DC Comics blockbuster needs no introduction. Starring Gal Gadot in the titular lead role of Diana Prince and directed by Patty Jenkins, this Hollywood film was a sequel to the 2017 movie Wonder Woman. Despite the pandemic, the much-anticipated film released theatrically on 25 December 2020 and was a hit. Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal starred in supporting roles, playing the villains Cheetah and Maxwell Lord respectively. Set in the 1980s (a few decades after the events of the first film), audiences were also thrilled to witness the return of actor Chris Pine as Steve Trevor- Diana’s love interest.