1. Jyothika in Mozhi: The role of Archana fulfilled by Jyothika is subtle yet strong. The actress plays the role of a deaf and a mute woman; and we must say, she has totally taken full advantage of the role. Despite going through such struggles, she was a teacher in a school which proved that disabilities are no barriers to achievements. Archana can fight a man, fights against injustice and is guarded and strong.
2. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Guru: Sujata played by Aishwarya Rai plays the role of a very strong and a supportive wife. Guru played by Abhishek Bachchan marries Sujata as she brings him dowry. However, with the help of his wife and her brother, Guru moves to Bombay to become a trader. The massive support and love provided by Sujata to Guru make her character amazingly strong. Sujata is indeed one of the most underrated characters.
3. Anushka Shetty in Bahubali 2 – The Conclusion: Anushka Shetty is indeed one of the most versatile actresses of all times. Seldom have people spoken about how she’s playing the kind of roles which will help carve a better future onscreen for the GenNext. ‘Devasena’ played by Anushka Shetty is a proud warrior princess. She values self-respect above anything else. She cuts off a man’s finger because he misbehaves with women. Such strength is present in the role of Devasena.
4. Ramya Krishnan in Padayappa and Bahubali: Ramya Krishnan has had a career graph where she has never failed to impress her audience with her versatile roles. Her role as Neelambari was the most welcomed. Her role as a strong woman might have come across as adamant. However, her dialogue ‘ Unna Madri irukara pombalainga naale dhan…’ was carried with strength. Her role as Sivagami Devi in ‘Bahubali’ was equally strong and brave.
5. Sridevi in English Vinglish: A woman can achieve anything and age is just a number was proved by Sashi played by Sridevi. Sashi is a successful homemaker with a lot of love for family. Her limited knowledge in English allows her family to take her for granted and degrade her potential. At a point when she started questioning herself, she becomes determined to learn it and prove everyone wrong.
6. Tabu in Iruvar: It is never easy to be the wife of one of the most powerful politicians of Tamil Nadu. But she was powerful in her own path. She was absolutely intellectual, strong, witty and more than that she was herself. She was a lover, a best friend and a companion to her husband in the movie ‘Iruvar’. She is the woman who is powerful and strong beyond imagination.
7. Madhubala in Roja: Ever heard of the story ‘Sathyavan and Savithri’ where the wife fights against the God of Death to bring back her husband’s life? That’s what is Roja from the movie ‘Roja’. Sensitive, feminine but more than that she fights to win her husband back from the terrorists who held him hostage in Kashmir where they went for their honeymoon. She is that woman who is the “struggler” and the fighter.
8. Navya Nair in Azhagiya Theeye: One of the most underrated yet strong roles for an actress in a Tamil film. Navya played the role of a girl who has a strong mind, challenge the patriarchy existing in her family. Her strength influences the hero in a very positive way. It is easily one of best roles a heroine could ask for.
9. Aishwarya Rajesh in Kanaa: There is something powerful about every character Aishwarya chooses and honestly, all her roles are brilliant but ‘Kanaa’ proved that Aishwarya could easily own the show with her prowess, sensibility, ambition and focus.
10. Nayanthara in Kolamaavu Kokila: It may not necessarily be a woman-centric film but it sure was Nayanthara’s show all the way. Her character was simple yet so powerful that Kokila could literally take down any man who misbehaves with her and save herself effortlessly from any situation. She had it in her to be a girl with absolute courage and wit.