Entertainment: Rewriting the rules of storytelling

While Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt continue to dominate international red carpets and global headlines, a quieter but far more transformative shift in Indian entertainment is being driven behind the camera. Women creators are rewriting the rules of storytelling, scale and ambition, shaping India’s cultural footprint for a truly global audience.Guneet MongaGuneet Monga has arguably redefined India’s position on the world cinema map. From championing independent voices to winning Global Award with The Elephant Whisperers, Monga has built a producer’s blueprint that balances deeply rooted Indian narratives with universal emotional resonance. Films like Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery further reinforced her belief that authenticity and originality, when backed with conviction, can travel farther than spectacle alone.Kanika DhillonAt the forefront of India’s OTT revolution stands Kanika Dhillon, who has fundamentally reshaped how mainstream Hindi cinema engages with streaming platforms. With her production banner Kathha Pictures, Dhillon has emerged as one of the most commercially successful voices in the digital space. Blockbuster titles such as Haseen Dillruba, Guilty, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba and Do Patti have proven that women-led thrillers and emotionally layered storytelling can dominate popular culture. With her next project Gandhari in the pipeline, it remains to be seen what more glass ceilings are left to break!Zoya AkhtarBeyond them, Zoya Akhtar has played a pivotal role in expanding India’s cultural reach. Gully Boy broke the linguistic and cultural barriers with its international premiere at the Berlinale, taking Indian hip-hop to the global stage, while Made in Heaven sparked worldwide conversations around identity, privilege, relationships and modern Indian society.Reema KagtiReema Kagti’s work reflects a sharp command over long-form storytelling. From Talaash to Dahaad, her narratives blend social realism with global crime-drama sensibilities. Her coming-of-age film Superboys of Malegaon was widely appreciated by audiences and critics alike, reinforcing her reputation as a filmmaker who balances emotional intimacy with universal themes.Meghna GulzarMeghna Gulzar continues to master the delicate balance between political context and emotional truth. With films like Raazi, Talvar and Sam Bahadur, she has created cinema that resonates deeply both in India and internationally. Her upcoming crime thriller Daayra, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is among the most anticipated projects, further underlining her stature as a filmmaker of global relevance.

Entertainment: Rewriting the rules of storytelling

From Guneet Monga to Reema Kagti — women filmmakers who are re-shaping Indian cinema for a global audience

Dharam Pal

Entertainment: Rewriting the rules of storytelling

From Guneet Monga to Reema Kagti — women filmmakers who are re-shaping Indian cinema for a global audience

Dharam Pal

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