The topic of ‘women empowerment’ is not a new-fangled concept in Hindi cinema. From epic dramas like Mother India to Astitva and the recent Neerja, Bollywood has given birth to some awe-inspiring women-oriented films.

The good news is, the number is only on the rise – much to the delight of cinema goers. Not to mention, it’s the need of the hour; these are, after all, the art works that showcase the right form of feminism.

With that said, here’s presenting six movies due for release in 2017 that portray women as their ‘hero’. From enjoying beyond-par acting to discovering new trends in fashion, there’s something for everyone! Read on and mark your calendar:

Sonakshi Sinha in Noor

Starring: Sonakshi Sinha, Kanan Gill

Release date: April 21, 2017

Featuring Sonakshi Sinha in the titular role, Noor is a coming-of-age light-hearted drama based on Pakistani author Saba Imtiaz's novel ‘Karachi, You're Killing Me!’ Sonakshi plays a Pakistani journalist-writer who navigates her way through Mumbai, where she experiences a series of crests and troughs in her personal and professional life.

Kangana Ranaur in Simran

Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Sohum Shah

Release date: September 15, 2017

When it comes to playing a role of a strong, independent woman, Kangana Ranaut has proved her mettle more than once. The three-time National Award winner will now be seen as Simran, an emotionally-turbulent character inspired by the life of an NRI nurse in the US. It’ll be exciting to see Kangana sashaying around the streets of Atlanta flaunting new fashion styles in this Hansal Mehta-directed film.

Deepika Padukone’s Trendy Clothes in Padmavati

Starring: Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor

Release date: November 17, 2017 

f there’s one period drama that has cinema goers hooked in 2017, it’s Padmavati, starring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati. Apart from the controversies that surround the life of the character, and Deepika’s trendy clothes, the movie brings back on the silver screen the classic Ranveer-Deepika duo, along with Shahid Kapoor in a supporting role. Those who were smitten by how easily the couple displayed an electric chemistry in Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani in a fluid fashion, need only count days before Padmavati hits the theatres in November.

Vidya Balan in Begum Jaan

Starring: Vidya Balan, Shriya Saran, Ila Arun

Release date: April 14, 2017

She may still get her share of dissension on keeping off the latest fashion trends, but it’s hard to determine the secret to just how Vidya Balan manages to make every film of hers with her electric charisma. Begum Jaan is one of the most-awaited movies of 2017 wherein Vidya plays the lead role of a brothel's madam, set in the backdrop of the late Indian Independence period of 1947. The trailer is packed with whistle-worthy dialogues and stunning direction sequences by National Award winning-director Srijit Mukherji.

Shraddha Kapoor in Haseena – The Queen of Mumbai

Starring: Shraddha Kapoor, Siddhant Kapoor

Release date: July 14, 2017

If there’s one film Shraddha Kapoor can woo audience’s hearts with through her acting, it’s Haseena – The Queen of Mumbai. An account of terrorist Dawood Ibrahim’s sister, Haseena, the film marks Shraddha’s first female protagonist venture in a titular role. With Mumbai setting the perfect backdrop to this crime thriller, the movie is touted as one that’ll give Shraddha’s career an all-new high.

Sridevi in Mom

Starring: Sridevi, Akshaye Khanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Release date: July 14, 2017

After the success of English Vinglish, Sridevi is set to grace the silver screen with Mom, this time, playing with the shades of grey in her role. Her ferocious character in the film is much-awaited by audiences who adored her portrayal of her timid, sophisticated ‘Shashi’ in English Vinglish. The biggest stars of Bollywood were all praise for her at a recent unveiling of the movie’s poster, calling her look utterly intense and mysterious.