Review : #AliaBhatt delivers a smashing performance in ‘#GangubaiKathiawadi’!

The glamour of film industry has been luring thousands of youngsters, mainly girls, majority of whom run away from their homes in remote places to make it big in the tinsel town. Then there are ‘agents’ who lure young girls promoting the the stardom. The naive girls fall prey to the sweet talking and end up at a wrong place most of the time. This has been happening for the longest time and still happens today too. There’s another ‘business’ of buying and selling young girls to the brothels. Prostitution, though illegal, has been part of the society for the hundreds of years. That profession too requires fresh supply which is catered by the above mentioned ‘agents’. The vulnerable girls are forced into flesh trade and it becomes their profession as they become outcast of the society. The newly released ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ explores the lanes of kamathipura, which is the red light area of Mumbai (earlier Bombay).

Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is based on a book ‘The Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ by Hussein Zaidi and Jane Borges. The story is loosely based on the life of Gangubai Harjivandas who was known as Gangubai Kothewali because of the profession she was in. Later as her aspiration grew to be a politician she changed it to Gangubai Kathiawadi. The story is set in 60s and 70s when the infamous red light area of Kamathipura saw many transitions. The young Ganga (Alia Bhatt) is film crazy young teenage girl and wants to act in films, especially opposite Dev Anand. Her handsome lover Ramniklal (Varun Kapoor) takes advantage of that, cons her and brings her Bombay. He promises her that he’ll maker her Queen of Bollywood and sells her to a brothel owner (Seema Pahwa) for Rs.1000. Later she becomes Queen of Kamathipura, the red light area of Mumbai. Ganga is forced into flesh trade and as there’s no escape route she decides to rule this trade. With her beauty she becomes a sought after prostitute and christens her name to Gangu and knowing her worth starts dictating to the brothel owner. Her defiant nature is liked by her fellow mates and she takes charge of the brothel after the demise of the owner. Then she wants to rule her area, i.e. Kamathipura, and starts prepping herself to become a politician and Gangubai gets born.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has packaged the story in a nice wrapper but a lot from Gangubai’s life is missing, maybe due to constraint of time. He is known for grandeur and he doesn’t disappoint here too. The sets are beautifully designed and the old movie posters say a word or two when the camera fleetingly pans around them. The first half unfolds the psyche of the character and in the second half showcases the graph of Gangubai. Cinematography is top notch and production values rich. The camera captures the dark gullies of Kamathipura with extravagance. Bhansali’s storytelling makes the viewers invested in the movie which offers visual treat as he has beautifully captured the phases of Gangubai’s life. His music, though not outstanding, immerses well with the narration. Dholiba is the only exception where Alia displays her dancing skills too.

Alia Bhatt has delivered an excellent performance. She has carried the film on her dainty shoulders very well. Her ‘dialougebazi’ in the film will please many, especially her fans. She has carried white saree clad look beautifully, with different ‘shades’ of white. Ajay Devgn in a cameo as Rahim Lala gives an outstanding performance. His entry-walk is a treat to watch. Shantanu Maheshwari, as Gangubai’s lover Afsaan has given a sweet performance and Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa too are very good. Chhaya Kadam delights with her impactful performance.