Alia Bhatt's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to release on January 6, 2022

Gangubai Kathiawadi joins the list of dozens of Bollywood films that are set to have a theatrical opening in the coming months. It has now been confirmed that the Alia Bhatt-starrer, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will be releasing on January 6, 2022. The film also stars actor Ajay Devgn in a pivotal role. The news was confirmed by trade analyst Taran Adarsh, reported Filmfare.

The upcoming project marks Alia’s first collaboration with Sanjay, who is also working on Heeramandi which will release on a leading OTT platform. Gangubai Kathiawadi tells the story of Gangubai, the most respected and feared madam of Mumbai's red-light district, Kamathipura.

The trailer for the film had set the internet on fire when it was released as it showed Alia in a never-before-seen avatar. Gangubai Kathiawadi has been produced by Sanjay and Jayantilal Gada. It is touted to be loosely based on the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, written by S Hussain Zaidi.

The film went on floors in December 2019 but was put on hold due to the spread of the coronavirus in March 2020. Filming resumed in October 2020 but had to stop again after Sanjay contracted the virus. Later, Alia also tested positive for Covid-19. The movie eventually wrapped up in June 2021.

Gangubai Kathiawadi also stars Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, Seema Pahwa, and has Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi play extended cameos. It also marks the Bollywood debut of television actor-dancer Shantanu Maheshwari.