Release Date : February 25, 2022
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Seema Pahwa, Huma Qureshi, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, Emraan Hashmi
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Producer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Music Director: Sanchit Balhara
Cinematography : Sudeep Chatterjee
Editor:
Apart from Bheemla Nayak and Valimai, yet another biggie that has hit the screens today is Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai Kathiawadi. Let’s see how it is.
Story:
Gangubai(Alia Bhatt) is born and brought up in Gujarat and loves films to death. She falls in love with a young man who brings her to Mumbai in order to get her film chances. But to Gangubai’s shock, he sells her in a red light area. Left with no choice, Ganubai takes up prostitution as her full time job. The rest of the story is as to how Gangubai grows big in her business, tries to dethrone the other political bigwigs in her area and becomes a force to reckon with.
Plus Points:
Alia Bhatt is the life and soul of the film. Everyone had a doubt as to how a petite Alia Bhatt would carry off such a huge character. But Alia proves everyone wrong and is stunning as Gangubai. Be it her looks, transformation, confidence in her speech, Alia gives an award winning performance.
Ajay Devgan is seen in a supporting role and does well in it. His screen presence is solid and the manner in which he supports Alia is good to see in the film. The emotional content of the film is pretty strong and the manner in which the film ends on an emotional note is very good.
Minus Points:
Gangubai was a very noted personality in Mumbai’s red light area. She had life on her own terms and many have heard stories of her boldness. But Sanjay Bhansali does not establish her life and comes straight to the point which looks a bit forced.
There are many scenes in the film which defy logic. Sanjay Bhansali showcases the colorful aspects of Gangubai and thus, the drama is missing in key areas. The pace of the film is also quite slow and takes time for the audience to grow.
Technical Aspects:
Production values of the film are top notch. Special mention to the production design who showcase the bygone era in a beautiful manner. Camerawork is good and so was the period setting. Editing is bad as the film is dragged for no reason. Coming to Sanjay Bhansali, he has done a passable job with the film. Even though he had good scope to evoke more drama, he missed out mostly.
verdict:
On the whole, Gangubai Kathiawadi is a film that has a very good setting. Alia Bhatt gives an award winning performance but the pace of the film is slow. The needed drama is missing most of the time but Alia Bhatt is the savior and makes sure that you can give the film a shot at least for her.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team