How Kangana Ranaut's 'Queen' flipped the script on Bollywood's lived-happily-ever-after trope

In Bollywood, where love stories often dominated, Kangana Ranaut's Queen emerged as a game-changer. Back in 1995, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's European romance in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) set a benchmark for romance dramas that Bollywood followed for years. Almost two decades later, Queen arrived as a modestly budgeted film that boldly challenged this established formula, showing Kangana’s remarkable performance and redefining the genre.

Rather than another love story, Queen delivered a narrative of self-love. It broke away from the clichéd romance-in-Europe trope, instead focusing on a solo journey of self-discovery. The film shifted the spotlight from a hero whisking a heroine away to picturesque locales to a sheltered Delhi girl, Rani, who is left at the altar and decides to embark on a solo European adventure. This voyage becomes a transformative journey, redefining her sense of self.

Unlike many films where the heroine yearns for her hero across borders, Queen introduced a protagonist who finds joy in her solitude and self-exploration. Despite the pain of her breakup, Rani revels in her freedom, discovering that she doesn’t need a partner to experience life’s wonders. Kangana’s portrayal of Rani, from Delhi’s bustling streets to Amsterdam’s serene canals, showcased an evolving character who danced to the rhythm of newfound independence.

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Queen earned Kangana her second National Award for Best Actress, following her win for Fashion in 2008. This accolade cemented her reputation as a leading actor capable of headlining films without relying on a male superstar. The film not only broadened her appeal but also inspired a wave of women-centric cinema, creating more opportunities for actresses. Kangana’s success with Queen also bolstered her voice on gender equality in the industry.

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In the film’s climactic moments, as Rani walks away from her former fiancé with newfound confidence, Kangana symbolically ushered in a departure from traditional cinematic norms. Queen marked the dawn of a new era in Indian cinema, where the focus shifted from outdated romantic ideals to a celebration of personal empowerment. It’s a journey worth revisiting, as it continues to inspire and redefine narratives in the film industry.