Gangubai Kathiawadi

#Gangubai Kathiwadi is a biopic based on the life of a brothel owner and leader from the 1960s. It celebrates the bravado and badassery of Ganga who became #Gangubai in Kamatipura, Mumbai. This famous red light area has gained popularity in Bollywood as the mecca of Mumbai's underbelly.  In the quintessential Sanjay Leela Bhansali style the sets, costumes, and the grandiose of Kamatipura, catch your attention and stay on till the last frame. The subdued backgrounds from the 1960s are in sync with the tone of the depressing lives of prostitutes then. And #AliaBhatt in white is the shining glimmer of hope, the grand hero of the film dominating every dark frame in spotless white saree. The film revolves around Gangubai and her grandiose, over two hours, making her the Amitabh Bachan of Kamatipura.

The film depicts the depressing lives of prostitutes in the 1960's who faced exploitation, abuse and were shunned by society at large. Gangubai rises like a phoenix to fight it, giving sex workers an identity and claim. She fights for their safety and dignity as their leader and champions for their civil rights. Why should a woman who is stripped of her dignity and respect withhold her tongue? Why should a woman who relieves a man of his lust be ashamed of what she does when he isn't? Why should she carry the burden of morality when it is actually the men who are losing it ? Fearless and unabashed, Gangubai makes men dance to her music, beating them in their own game with cocky one-liners; kicks, and punches even.  The dialogues and their delivery are the cornerstones in the entire story, delivered by the godmother of thousands of sex workers.

 The single obsession with Gangubai can be a drag but there is some respite in Alia's performance. I was convinced that choosing Alia for Gangubai was a big mistake. How can someone so pretty and clean justify the role of a harsh, tough sex worker? But she has proved to not just give a striking performance but also fill up the gaps and inconsistencies in the story. 

Rating ; 3.5 / 5