Several Indian films in 2025 centered on women asserting agency and control over their lives. 'The Girlfriend,' a Telugu film, subverts the 'Arjun Reddy' template by focusing on a young woman's perspective and her pushback against a possessive male lead and a controlling father. Actress Rashmika Mandanna stars as the protagonist, challenging traditional portrayals. Another film, 'The Bad Girl,' explores a young woman's defiance against societal expectations regarding intimacy and voice.