25 Highest Grossing Female Lead Movies in India
Indian cinema is going through an exciting change, with female actors leading movies to huge box-office successes. These films, featuring strong female leads, have entertained audiences and set new records. Secret Superstar (2017), featuring Zaira Wasim, stands as the highest-grossing Indian film led by a female actor, highlighting the journey of a young girl aspiring to become a singer. Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015) was the first Indian female-led film to enter the ₹100 crore club.
In this article, we’ll explore the journeys of the highest-grossing Indian films with female leads, looking at what made them so successful and their lasting impact on the industry. Get ready to be inspired and empowered as we reveal the rise of these female-led blockbusters, showcasing the incredible talent and box-office power of India’s top actresses.
List of Highest Grossing Women Lead Films in India
| Rank | Movie Name | Language | Budget | Worldwide Collection | Main cast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secret Superstar | Hindi | ₹15 crore | ₹905 crore | Zaira Wasim |
| 2 | The Kerala Story | Hindi | ₹15–20 crore | ₹303.97 crore | Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, Siddhi Idnani |
| 3 | Tanu Weds Manu Returns | Hindi | ₹39 crore | 255.3 crore | Kangana Ranaut |
| 4 | Hichki | Hindi | ₹20 crore | ₹215 crore | Rani Mukerji |
| 5 | Gangubai Kathiawadi | Hindi | ₹100-180 crore | ₹209.77 crore | Alia Bhatt |
| 6 | Raazi | Hindi | ₹35–40 crore | ₹195.75 crore | Alia Bhatt |
| 7 | Mom | Hindi | ₹30 crore | ₹175.7 crore | Sridevi |
| 8 | Crew | Hindi | ₹75 crore | ₹157.08 crore | Tabu, Kareena Kapoor, Kriti Sanon |
| 9 | Veere Di Wedding | Hindi | ₹42 crore | ₹139 crore | Kareena Kapoor, Sonam K Ahuja, Swara Bhasker, Shikha Talsania |
| 10 | Dear Zindagi | Hindi | ₹30 crore | ₹135.47 crore | Alia Bhatt |
| 11 | Neerja | Hindi | ₹20 crore | ₹135.52 crore | Sonam Kapoor |
| 12 | Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi | Hindi | ₹99–125 crore | ₹132.95 crore | Kangana Ranaut |
| 13 | The Dirty Picture | Hindi Tamil Telugu | ₹18 crore | ₹117 crore | Vidya Balan |
| 14 | Article 370 | Hindi | ₹20 crore | ₹110.57 crore | Yami Gautam Dhar, Priyamani |
| 15 | English Vinglish | Hindi | ₹10 crore | ₹102 crore | Sridevi |
| 16 | Kahaani | Hindi | ₹8 crore | ₹104 crore | Vidya Balan |
| 17 | Queen | Hindi | ₹23 crore | ₹95.04 crore | Kangana Ranaut |
| 18 | Mary Kom | Hindi | ₹ 38 crore | ₹ 86.19 crore | Priyanka Chopra |
| 19 | Mahanati | Telugu | ₹25 crore | ₹83 crore | Keerthy Suresh |
| 20 | Arundhati | Telugu | ₹13.5 crore | ₹70 crore | Anushka Shetty |
| 21 | Kolamaavu Kokila | Tamil | ₹8 crore | ₹73 crore | Nayanthara |
| 22 | Mardaani 2 | Hindi | ₹27 crore | ₹67.12 crore | Rani Mukerji |
| 23 | Ragini MMS 2 | Hindi | ₹19 crore | ₹63.29 crore | Sunny Leone |
| 24 | Mardaani | Hindi | ₹21 crore | ₹59.55 crore | Rani Mukerji |
| 25 | Tanu Weds Manu | Hindi | ₹17.5 crore | ₹56 crore | Kangana Ranaut |
Also read this: Top 50 Highest Grossing Indian Movies of All Time
Which is the highest grossing female lead movie in India?
The highest-grossing female lead movie in India is Secret Superstar (2017), featuring Zaira Wasim, which highlights the journey of a young girl aspiring to become a singer.
Which is the highest grossing female centric South Indian film?
The highest-grossing female-centric South Indian film is Mahanati (2018), based on the life of actress Savitri and featuring Keerthy Suresh in the prominent role of Savitri.
Which is the first Indian female lead film to earn ₹100 crore?
Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015) was the first female lead film to earn Rs 100 crore in India, starring Kangana Ranaut.
Which is the first Indian female lead film to earn ₹1000 crore?
As of now, there hasn’t been an Indian female lead film that has earned ₹1000 crore at the box office.
Which are the top 5 highest grossing female lead movies in India?
1. Secret Superstar – ₹905 crore
2. The Kerala Story – ₹303.97 crore
3. Tanu Weds Manu Returns – 255.3 crore
4. Hichki – ₹215 crore
5. Gangubai Kathiawadi – ₹209.77 crore