Top actresses leading women-driven films in 2026

Kriti Sanon – Cocktail 2

After her breakout moments in both rom-coms and dramas, Kriti Sanon leads Cocktail 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved romantic comedy Cocktail

Taapsee Pannu – Gandhari

Taapsee Pannu heads into intense territory with Gandhari — an action thriller where she reportedly portrays a mother driven by vengeance

Aneet Padda – Shakti Shalini

Stepping into the spotlight with a unique genre twist, Aneet Padda is set to lead Shakti Shalini. This project blends supernatural thrills and humour

Kiara Advani – Toxic

Kiara Advani pushes boundaries yet again as the leading lady in Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, essaying the bold and fiercely layered role of Nadia

Rashmika Mandanna – Mysaa

Rashmika Mandanna headlines Mysaa, one of the most intriguing and unconventional women-centric films. The film reportedly sees Rashmika in a fierce avatar

Rani Mukerji – Mardaani 3

Rani Mukerji returns as the formidable police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3, the third chapter in the acclaimed crime-thriller franchise

Alia Bhatt – Alpha

Alia Bhatt continues to expand her cinematic horizon with Alpha. The spy-action film is notable for being the first female-led entry in the YRF spy universe