Gangubai Kathiawadi – Film Review

60 years down the line and you get to see a screen adaptation of a biopic of a renowned iconic figure of Gangubai Harjivandas Kathiawadi and you get transported to that era of Kamathipura well known for the abode of the sex workers.

Ganga who became Gangubai is already a revered figure in the area and has already garnered tremendous popularity working and devoting her life towards uplifting and fighting for the rights of the tribe. Getting the education for the children of the area becomes her sole aim till the time she manages to get it done.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali as has been his passion with cinema has recreated the life and times of Gangubai with such precision and fineness that henceforth Gangubai Kathiawadi will become a known figure world wide. The sets of than Kamathipura , costumes and surroundings speaks volumes of the extent to which SLB goes in justifying his subject and making it real on reel.

Alia Bhatt ! What can you say about this young woman who has delivered one of her best performances till date. The dialogues which are so beautifully written are equally well spoken with the authority of a veteran. She tries to imbibe the minutest nuances and gets into the skin of the character at her age and sensibility with flying colours!!!!! Wow ! What a Performance.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali Instead of going into those real and horrific trials and turbulence of an innocent girl being forced into prostitution he just gets to the point and works on highlighting the achievements of Gangubai Kathiawadi and how she became the Mother and Godly figure for the whole brethren inhabiting the brothels of Kamathipura.

Gangubai’s path crosses with Rahim Lala played by Ajay Devgan who becomes a strong support to help Gangu attain her mission and how she becomes a Rakhi sister and her relationship with him help her get through so many hurdles, in her journey to accomplish and face the challenges befalling her.

Ajay Devgan who loves playing Mafia King avatar delivers a very convincing portrayal. He is so involved in his role that its a treat to just see him envelope the whole frame of the screen as and when he appears!!!!!

Vijay Raaz as Razia Bai is so immersive and impressive that you virtually start  following every move of hers. Take a bow Vijay Raaz!!!

SLB is known for his love for music and has delivered blockbuster songs but in his earlier films. Here he has experimented with the numbers “Meri Jaan” and “Jab Saiyaan” but “Dholida Dham Dham Dhamak Baaje” is so Sensuously picturised with Alia Bhatt putting in her life and soul into it .. that it will straight away bowl you out. Just Too Good given the location and vicinity of Kamathipura.

Gangubai’s story is floating around in the social media all around since the day SLB started working on the subject.  So there’s no point in harping on the story.

Instead just go and watch the sheer magic unfold where Alia Bhatt transforms into Gangubai under the tutelage of the master craftsman Sanjay Leela Bhansali who has yet again created a Gem of a Masterpiece worth a watch and appreciation