With each new movie, Alia Bhatt is winning the hearts of the audience, and moving a step closer to being one of India’s finest actresses. Gangubai Kathiawadi is an enthralling crime biographical film helmed by the aesthetic Sanjay Leela Bhansali and is based on Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges’ 2011 book ’Mafia Queens Of Mumbai’. The movie delves into the dark and intriguing world of Gangubai, a prominent figure in the realm of prostitution. With powerful performances and stunning visuals, it offers a captivating cinematic experience.
Alia Bhatt delivers an exceptional performance, completely immersing herself in the character of Gangubai. She flawlessly portrayed the complexities and nuances of Gangubai’s life, capturing her vulnerability and strength with conviction. From being that playful young Ganga to facing the struggles of her new life in Kamathipura as Gangu and finally emerging on top as the bosslady Gangubai, Alia has has outdone herself with her impeccable dialogue delivery and emotional range. Literally got chills during some scenes.
The Cast Impresses as Alia Leads the Troops
For a film that’s so much about one character, SLB made it a point to select a top notch ensemble cast that carried forward Alia’s momentum. Shantanu Maheshwari shines as Ramnik, Gangubai’s trusted confidant, and a cutu love interest, bringing depth and heart to their relationship. Vijay Raaz being the goat he is, impresses as Hussain, the cunning antagonist, leaving a lasting impact. The ensemble cast, including Seema Pahwa, Indira Tiwari, and Ajay Devgn in a special appearance, adds further layers to the narrative with their strong portrayals.
With SLB, Cinematography isn’t a problem
Now while watching an SLB movie, we usually expect royal aesthetics and beautiful cinematography. But how can THIS movie be visually stunning, right? Well guess what, Gangubai Kathiawadi is a feast for the eyes. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s genius shines through in the opulent sets, exquisite costumes, and striking cinematography. All in all, SLB has created a vivid and immersive world, transporting the audience to the era the film portrays. Talk about showcasing the simplest of scenes with such grandeur.
The screenplay, crafted by Bhansali and Utkarshini Vashishtha, is prey to a sloppy narrative that fails to keep the audience engaged throughout. It tries to skillfully balance moments of tension, emotion, and occasional humour, but is unable to provide a well-rounded experience at times. The sharp and impactful dialogues leave a lasting impression, resonating with the viewers. One dialogue that’s gonna stay with me for a long time is, “Arey jab shakti, sampati aur sadbuddhi yeh teeno hi aurtein hai, toh in mardo ke kiss baat ka guroor?“
While Gangubai Kathiawadi offers an engaging narrative, it falls short in exploring the socio-political aspects of Gangubai’s life and the world she inhabits.
The focus primarily remains on her personal journey, leaving other dimensions relatively unexplored. Aisa laga ki instead of giving importance to entire story, the movie acted as an overview of her life. A better exploration of the historical context and the societal impact of her actions would have added further depth to the story imo.
People might also feel that the narrative whitewashes the character of Gangubai to an extent. While the movie shows the activist side of Gangubai, it does little to throw light on how exactly she sustained her business, if she was as gentle as depicted by SLB. While there’s no substantial evidence to deny the fact, it is rather logical that some aspects of her life were blanketed by the makers, as is customary in humara Bollywood.
In conclusion, Gangubai Kathiawadi is a visually stunning and emotionally charged film that showcases Alia Bhatt’s exceptional acting prowess. The performances, screenplay, and mesmerizing visuals make it a compelling watch. Despite its pacing issues and missed opportunities to delve deeper into her business and political life, the film successfully depicts Gangubai’s indomitable spirit and evokes a sense of strength in the viewers. This movie isn’t your regular popcorn break, but is definitely a good watch, if you wish for something sincere and mature.
