Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt Rises to the Occasion in Bhansali’s Magnum Opus

A single frame is enough to recognise a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. In Gangubai Kathiawadi, his signature maximalist aesthetic once again transports you to a world where even squalor looks stunning.

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Portrait of a Brothel Queen

Based on a chapter from S. Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, Gangubai Kathiawadi chronicles the extraordinary life of its titular heroine. Born Ganga Harjivandas, the young woman is sold into prostitution by her suitor. In the belly of Kamathipura’s brothels, her never-say-die spirit helps her rise from pawn to queen.

• Alia Bhatt sinks her teeth into the meaty role, channelling childlike vulnerability and steely grit with equal aplomb. Her Kathiawadi-accented dialogues pack a punch.

• Supporting players Seema Pahwa, Vijay Raaz and Ajay Devgn turn in memorable cameos.

A Complete Sensory Experience

Like Bhansali’s previous works, Gangubai Kathiawadi is a lavish sensory experience:

1. The sprawling sets by Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray evoke 1960s Mumbai in painstaking detail.

2. Sudeep Chatterjee’s cinematography revels in saturated reds and whites, recalling the palette of Bhansali’s magnum opus Devdas.

3. Sanchit and Ankit Balhara’s original score swells with old-world charm, while the songs brim with Bhansali’s musical flourishes.

Flawed, Fabulous and Fascinating

Gangubai Kathiawadi does not completely avoid the pitfalls of the “prostitute with a heart of gold” trope. A romantic track featuring Shantanu Maheshwari feels shoehorned.

But even in its weaker moments, Bhatt’s tour de force performance and Bhansali’s visual wizardry keep you under their spell. The film’s grandeur serves the larger-than-life persona of its protagonist.

The Verdict

• Box office: The film earned over Rs. 150 crores worldwide, cementing Bhatt’s status as a bankable star.

• Awards and accolades: Bhatt won Best Actress at the 68th Filmfare Awards. The film’s music, costumes, production design and cinematography also earned praise.

Gangubai Kathiawadi may not be flawless, but it packs enough punch to keep you hooked till the last frame. Experience Bhansali’s latest magnum opus on the big screen or enjoy it in the comfort of your home with Airtel DTH, which offers a vast library of blockbusters.

FAQs

1. Is Gangubai Kathiawadi based on a true story?
   Yes, the film is based on the real-life story of Gangubai Kathiawadi, a brothel madam who championed the rights of sex workers in Mumbai’s Kamathipura.

2. Where can I watch Gangubai Kathiawadi movie online?
   The film is available for streaming on Netflix. You can also rent or purchase it on YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.

3. Who plays Gangubai in the movie?
   Alia Bhatt essays the titular role of Gangubai Kathiawadi in the film. Her performance has been widely praised by critics and audiences.

4. What is the Gangubai Kathiawadi full movie duration?
   The film has a runtime of 153 minutes (2 hours and 33 minutes).

5. Is there a Gangubai Kathiawadi movie download option?
   The film is available for digital purchase on platforms like YouTube and Apple TV. However, we recommend using official sources and refraining from illegal downloads.