Bollywood star actress Alia Bhatt’s period drama, Gangubai Kathiawadi, has hit the screens under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Table of Contents
Story of Gangubhai Kathiawadi :
Set in the 1950s time period, Gangubai Kathiawadi is based on chapters from the book ‘Mafia Queens Of Mumbai’ showcases the life journey of a girl named Ganga( Alia Bhatt) who comes to Mumbai to become a film heroine but due to bad circumstances, lands in brothel house. Eventually, she becomes the lady of Kamathipura, a red-light area in Mumbai. What kind of hurdles will Ganga go through in the transformation process as Gangubai? The entire film projects Gangubai’s life over the span of fifteen years.
Analysis of Gangubhai Kathiawadi :
Veteran Bollywood Analyst cum Business Transformation Expert Hirav Shah says, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his co-writer Utkarshini Vashishtha picked a strong female-centric subject from the 1950s and cooked the proceedings with enough engaging moments. The way Ganga’s character transforms herself as Gangubai is showcased with proper detailing.
The character establishment scenes of Gangubai, who is not ashamed of her past and knows women’s power, are a major highlight for the movie. The way Gangubai takes care of her people in Kamathipura by taking the young girls in the brothel area to nearby schools and looking after all the needs of the woman in her area are presented with a good emotional drama.
The scenes between Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt are executed on a gripping note, and so is the case with the episodes with Vijay Raaz’s transgender character scenes.”
On-screen Performances of Gangubhai Kathiawadi :
Hirav Shah says, “Alia Bhatt is terrific as young vulnerable Ganga. Her transformation from Ganga to Gangubai is marvelous and brings authentic texture to the proceedings. Alia’s outstanding screen presence and brilliant performance are the film’s major highlights. Ajay Devgn did a commendable job as a local ganglord Rahim Lala, who supported Gangubai to gain popularity in her area. Eventually, he extended support to Gangubai to win local elections and become a voice of her people. Devgn’s screen presence is splendid.
Hirav Shah adds, “TV actor Shantanu Maheshwari is impressive as Afsan, the man who respects Gangubai and seeks love from her. Jim Sarbh is decent in his role as a journalist who helps Gangu become a national sensation.
Vijay Raaz plays a transgender role with elan and leaves a huge mark. Other supporting artists are okay in their respective roles.”
Technical Support for Gangubhai Kathiawadi :
All the songs in the movie have the Bhansali trademark. Most of them are slow but have a beautiful soul in them. A few fast numbers are also well placed in the narrative. The cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee, a frequent collaborator with Bhansali, showcased the grandeur set work and the Kamathipura premise brilliantly. Each and every frame in the film has Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s signature, which Sudeep Chatterjee nicely captured. The editing work for this almost three-hour film is good. This Sanjay Leela Bhansali film’s production design, sets, and production values are rich.
Final Verdict for Gangubhai Kathiawadi:
Hirav Shah concludes, “Gangubai Kathiawadi is a well-made biographical drama that has the right amount of emotional content, humor, and SLB mark lavish making. The first half is brilliant, and the second half slows down a bit. But the climax is good and leaves a huge impact on the audience’s mind. While Alia Bhatt shines as Gangubai, the supporting roles are done by Ajay Devgn, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jim Sarbh take the film to the next level.”
Highly Recommended!
Rating: 4/5
