Gangubai Kathiawadi Story :-
Based on the compelling narrative of S. Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges’ impactful book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai,’ ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ vividly traces Ganga’s remarkable journey from a modest girl in Gujarat to the formidable queen of Kamathipura in Mumbai.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 25 February 2022 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Biography, Crime, Drama |
| Duration | 2h 34min |
| Cast | Alia Bhatt, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, Seema Pahwa, Varun Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Ajay Devgn, Rahul Vohra, Anmol Kajani, Prashant Kumar, Raza Murad, Chhaya Kadam, Mitalee Jagtap, Pallavi Jadhav, Kruti Saxena, Sonal Sagore, Lata Singh, Ekta Shri, Abhirami Bose, Chum Darang, Baldev Trehan, Jahangir Khan, Faiz Khan |
| Director | Sanjay Leela Bhansali |
| Writer | Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Utkarshini Vashishtha |
| Cinematography | Sudeep Chatterjee |
| Music | Sanchit Balhara Ankit Balhara; Songs: Sanjay Leela Bhansali |
| Producer | Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Jayantilal Gada |
| Production | Bhansali Productions, Pen Studios |
| Certificate | 16+ |
The sight of women standing at the threshold of brothels in the bustling lanes of Mumbai’s notorious red-light district, Kamathipura, is both starkly real and deeply poignant. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, set against the gritty backdrop of Mumbai, unfolds the harrowing yet riveting tale of countless young women, as seen through the eyes of its protagonist, Gangubai (played by Alia Bhatt).
The story begins in the early 1950s or 1960s, when a starry-eyed and unsuspecting Ganga is duped by her lover Ramnik (Varun Kapoor) into eloping under the false promise of launching her as a Bollywood heroine. However, fate has a different path in store for Ganga, who reinvents herself as Gangu and eventually rises to become the queen of Kamathipura. Despite the challenges, adversaries, and societal stigma she faces, Gangu’s resilience and indomitable spirit propel her forward on her journey to power and fame.
What sets ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ apart is its nuanced portrayal of Gangu’s character evolution over time. While the narrative may occasionally slow down, it leaves a lasting impact through its fiery dialogues and powerful moments.
Alia Bhatt delivers a tour de force performance, seamlessly slipping into the role of the formidable leader in a world dominated by brothels and predatory men. Despite initial reservations, Bhatt’s portrayal of Gangu’s confidence, audacity, and determination will leave audiences rooting for her till the very end.
Ajay Devgan leaves a lasting impression in his brief yet impactful role as Rahim Lala, while supporting cast members like Seema Pahwa, Vijay Raaz, and Jim Sarbh deliver solid performances. Shantanu Maheshwari shines as Gangu’s love interest, adding depth to their bittersweet relationship.
Bhansali skillfully weaves the narrative, akin to chapters in a book, exploring various facets of Gangu’s life, including her activism, ties to the underworld, and political ambitions. While the film is visually stunning, with lavish production values and meticulously choreographed song sequences, some aspects of Gangu’s life remain unexplored.
Despite its lengthy runtime, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ captivates with its dramatic scenes and resonant dialogues, leaving viewers intrigued by the enigmatic life of its titular character. While it may not provide a comprehensive look into Gangubai’s life, the film offers glimpses into a world where darkness and light intersect, leaving a lasting impression on audiences long after the credits roll.
In conclusion, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ may not fully satisfy those seeking an exhaustive exploration of Gangubai’s life, but it offers enough compelling moments to immerse viewers in a world where resilience triumphs over adversity, and hope shines even in the darkest of times.
