96. Gangubai Kathiawadi; movie review

 

GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI

Cert 15

154 mins

BBFC advice: Contains sexual violence, strong language

There have been a few catty remarks about Alia Bhatt in Gangubhai Kathiawadi over the past couple of weeks.

Well, in my view, this is one of the stand-out performances in Bollywood over recent years.

I am delighted that audiences in India have warmed to it because I feared that it has the type of controversial content which is often snubbed on the sub-continent,

Indeed, it is far from a typical Bollywood movie in many respects but Sanjay Leela Bhansali has created a picture which is vibrant, meaningful and enthralling.

Bhatt plays the title character who is taken to Bombay by her boyfriend (Varun Kapoor) with the promise of helping her break into the movies.

Instead he sells her to a brothel madam (Seema Pahwa) in the notorious district of Kamathipura.

Inevitably, she is traumatised by being forced to sell herself but gradually her spirit returns and she tries to find a way to make her plight more bearable.

Part of her strategy turns out to be an unexpected alliance with a local gangster (Ajay Devgn).

As she gains in confidence, Bhatt's character takes it upon herself to be the protector of Kamathipura's sex workers.

Thus, she immerses herself in local politics and even dabbles on the regional and national stage.

Gangubai Kathiawadi may be concentrated on one street in a small district of Bombay but it has an epic film feel.

I loved the parade scenes which are observed by the girls hanging from every widow of the bustling streets.

Bhatt is also given the chance to prove that she is a startlingly good dancer as well as a great actress.

Indeed, the range which this role demands prove that she deserves a place on Bollywood's A-list.

Gangubhai Kathiawadi was a complex character but Bhatt reflects her vulnerabilities and also her incredible determination to fight in adversity.

She is supported with great flair by Vijay Raaz and Pahwa and with a little more subtlety by Devgn and Jim Sarbh and Indira Tiwari.

They all contribute hugely to a thought-provoking movie which is full of zest.

Reasons to watch: Alia Bhatt is fabulous

Reasons to avoid: Controversial content

Laughs: A couple of chuckles

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 9/10

Did you know? There have been several severe allegations including murder against the Queen of Kamathipura over the years, yet as none of them have been proven.

The final word. Alia Bhatt: "For this film, I had to be out of the box and I had to be swimming in the mud. It was challenging and also liberating to do. It proves there’s no boundary." India.com

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