5 things you didn’t know about ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’

The upcoming movie is a biopic based on a woman named Gangubai from Mumbai

While cinemas across the world struggle to screen motion pictures, Sanjay Leela Bhansali aims to do the opposite. Scheduled to release this summer, a biopic titled Gangubai Kathiawadi with Alia Bhatt in a titular role is exactly what one needs to see on silver screen. Here are some facts, as compiled from Shethepeople that could make it a lot easier for you to understand the film.

1.      Non-fictional

The life story depicted in the crime thriller is based on a hot-selling novel by Hussain Zaidi titled Mafia Queens of Mumbai. The story revolves around a woman named Gangubai Kothewali, also known as the Madam of Kamathipura. Gangubai was a sex worker as well as the boss of a brothel in the neighbourhood of Maharashtra.

Kothewali was sold into prostitution at an early age by her suitor Ramnik Lal after running away from her home in Mumbai. Soon, struggles and challenges engulfed Gangubai, resulting in her becoming an influential pimp, social activist with underworld connections, drugs, mafia and homicides around town. 

2.      Star cast

The film stars Bhatt in the lead while the rest of the cast includes Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Ajay Devgan, Emraan Hashmi and Seema Pahwa. The big budgeted film will also introduce TV personality Maheshwari who will be seen as Ramnik Lal. Previously, Priyanka Chopra was cast as Gangubai until late 2019 but the Quantico star backed out from the project.

3.      Gangubai and politics

Gangubai was known for uplifting sex workers and fighting for their rights for which she met the Indian Prime Minister at that time, Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting the living condition of prostitutes. She was the first ever brothel landlord to own or drive a Bentley in 1960s, as seen in the beginning of the trailer as well.

4.      Legal strings

While many biopics come with repercussions, SLB’s Gangubai Kathiawadi faced a lawsuit filed against the film-maker, Bhatt and Zaidi for defamation of Gangubai. The plea was originally filed by her adopted son who claimed that the novel goes against his mother’s character. Despite charges, the Mumbai City Civil Court recently dismissed the plea in favour of the film.

5.      More than just an auteur

SLB is not only serving as the director of the film but also its producer, composer and writer. This is the first ever project of his with Bhatt and it is being touted as the biggest production of this year.

Gangubai Kathiawadi is set to release on July 30.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.