Alia Bhatt shines as feisty queen of Kamathipura

Maverick filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited venture ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ trailer is out and lead actress Alia Bhatt is simply outstanding. The film is adapted from Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ about Ganga Harjivandas, a simple girl of Kathiawad, reports Hindustan Times.

The trailer introduces Alia as a dominating figure, who has turned shame into pride, and aims for political aspirations for the betterment of Mumbai’s red light area Kamathipura. Vijay Raaz plays her arch rival, Raziya Bai, who is in no mood to let go of the dominance over Kamathipura. Ajay Devgn makes a powerful cameo in the trailer as underworld gangster Karim Lala. Glimpses of Seema Pahwa and Jim Sarbh are also seen in the intriguing trailer.

“‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is the story of a woman’s fight against the injustices imposed on sex workers. It gives me immense pride that my team and I have portrayed Gangubai’s relentless pursuit for women’s empowerment through this film,” Bhansali told Variety.

The shooting of the film began in December 2019 and wrapped in two years. Alia Bhatt had shared her experiences of shooting the film in a lengthy note on Instagram.

She had written, “This film and set has been through two lockdowns… two cyclones.. director and actor getting Covid during the making!!! The troubles the set has faced is another film altogether! But through all that and more.. what I take away is the gigantic life changing experience!”

“Being directed by sir has been a dream all my life, but I don’t think anything would have prepared me for the journey I was on for these two years.. I walk out of this set a diff person today! I love you sir! Thank you for being you .. there is truly NO ONE like you. When a film ends a part of you ends with it! Today I’ve lost a part of me.. Gangu I love you! You will be missed. P.S – special mention to my crew – my family and friends for these two years! without you nothing would have been possible! Love you guys,” she added.

The film is produced by Bhansali and Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios). Gangubai Kathiawadi will have its much-awaited world premiere at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival and will be released in theatres on February 25.