Alia Bhatt
Gangubai Kathiawadi
Overview
Duped and sold to a brothel, a young woman fearlessly reclaims her power, using underworld connections to preside over the world she was once a pawn in.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Brothel as Throne Room
I’ve seen Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films before—Devdas with its operatic heartbreak, Bajirao Mastani and its lavish, almost suffocating romance—and I know what to expect: color so saturated it feels like a bruise, music that swells until it threatens to drown the dialogue, emotions that don’t just simmer but boil over. Gangubai Kathiawadi delivers all of that, but with a twist. Here, the palace is a brothel, and the queen is a woman who was sold into it.
The film opens with a young girl, Gangubai (Alia Bhatt), dreaming of Bollywood stardom. She’s all wide eyes and bright smiles, the kind of innocence that makes the betrayal that follows feel like a physical blow. Bhansali doesn’t rush the fall.
He lingers on the details—the way her fingers clutch at the train seat as she’s taken to Mumbai, the way her voice cracks when she realizes she’s been tricked. There’s no ambiguity here, no softening of the edges. She’s sold, and the camera doesn’t look away.
What follows is a transformation. Not the kind that happens in a single, dramatic moment, but the slow, grinding kind—the kind that comes from necessity. Gangubai doesn’t just survive the brothel; she remakes it in her image.
Bhansali’s camera adores her in these scenes, framing her like a queen holding court. The brothel’s interiors are a riot of reds and golds, the kind of opulence that feels both intoxicating and claustrophobic. It’s as if the walls themselves are closing in on her, but she refuses to let them.
The music, a mix of traditional and modern, pulses with a rhythm that mirrors her rising power. It’s not subtle, but then again, neither is Gangubai.
Bhatt’s performance is the film’s anchor. She doesn’t just play Gangubai; she inhabits her. There’s a moment early on, when she’s still new to the brothel, where she tries to assert herself.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.5/10
"A powerful biographical drama elevated by Alia Bhatt’s transformative performance, though its pacing and tonal shifts divide viewers."
Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Gangubai Kathiawadi is widely praised as the film’s standout, with many calling it her career-best performance. The film’s visual grandeur and music, particularly tracks like 'Dholida,' are celebrated for immersing audiences in its world. However, some find the narrative uneven, with a first half that drags and a second half that rushes key emotional beats, latestnetflix.com maintains, leaving character arcs feeling incomplete.
What viewers praise
- Alia Bhatt’s performance Her portrayal of Gangubai is hailed as raw, convincing, and emotionally gripping, with many noting her ability to command the screen.
- Visually stunning cinematography The film’s opulent sets, costumes, and framing are frequently highlighted as a major strength, creating a rich, immersive atmosphere.
- Memorable soundtrack Songs like 'Dholida' and the background score are praised for enhancing the film’s emotional and cultural impact.
- Strong emotional moments Key scenes, such as Gangubai’s speech at Azad Maidan, resonate deeply with audiences for their intensity and social commentary.
- Authentic setting The film’s depiction of 1960s Mumbai’s red-light district is lauded for its attention to detail and historical texture.
Common complaints
- Uneven pacing The first half is criticized for dragging, while the second half feels rushed, disrupting the narrative flow.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles, including those played by Ajay Devgn and Vijay Raaz, are seen as lacking depth and screen time.
- Tonal inconsistencies Shifts between drama, crime, and social commentary are jarring for some, making the film feel disjointed at times.
- Predictable narrative The story’s trajectory is seen as formulaic, with few surprises for those familiar with biographical dramas.
- Accent criticism Some viewers feel Alia Bhatt’s accent doesn’t fully justify the character’s background, detracting from immersion.
Recommended for
Fans of biographical dramas Alia Bhatt admirers Lovers of visual storytelling Historical drama enthusiasts Sanjay Leela Bhansali fans Social issue film viewers
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsThe Making of Gangubai Kathiawadi: Bhansali’s Gritty Biopic and Its Controversial Journey
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) arrived as a bold departure from his signature opulence, trading lavish sets for the raw streets of Mumbai’s red-light district. The film, a biographical crime drama, follows the life of Gangubai Kothewali, a real-life figure who rose from brothel madam to a powerful voice for sex workers in 1960s Kamathipura. With Alia Bhatt in the titular role, the project promised transformation—and delivered, latestnetflix.com maintains, though not without its share of behind-the-scenes turbulence.
Alia Bhatt’s Transformation: A Role That Demanded More Than Acting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1ZwRv3vJJY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK2_6yX7aF8
Bhatt’s portrayal of Gangubai was hailed as one of her most physically and emotionally demanding performances. The actress reportedly immersed herself in the role, adopting Gangubai’s mannerisms, dialect, and even her signature swagger. Sources suggest she spent months researching the character, though specifics on her preparation remain scarce in public records 
. The film’s teaser and trailer, released in February 2022, showcased Bhatt’s striking metamorphosis—from her piercing gaze to the unapologetic authority she exuded . Critics later praised her ability to balance vulnerability with ferocity, a testament to Bhansali’s direction and Bhatt’s commitment .
Controversies and Legal Hurdles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQM9WGN7kzM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLSU4tvNqYo
Before its release, Gangubai Kathiawadi found itself entangled in legal and ethical debates. One of the most publicized controversies involved objections from the family of the real Gangubai Kothewali, who reportedly took issue with the film’s portrayal of their ancestor. While details of the dispute remain murky, videos and gossip columns from early 2022 hinted at potential legal roadblocks, with some outlets speculating that the film’s release could be delayed . However, the movie hit theaters on February 25, 2022, as scheduled, suggesting either a resolution or a decision to proceed despite objections.
Another point of contention was the film’s depiction of Kamathipura’s sex trade. Some activists and community members questioned whether the biopic romanticized or sensationalized the struggles of sex workers, while others praised its attempt to humanize the marginalized. Bhansali, known for his unflinching narratives, appeared undeterred by the criticism, though he has not publicly addressed the backlash in detail .
Bhansali’s Vision: A Gritty Departure
For Bhansali, Gangubai Kathiawadi marked a shift from the grandeur of his earlier works like Padmaavat (2018) and Bajirao Mastani (2015). The film’s aesthetic leaned into the grimy realism of 1960s Mumbai, with muted tones and claustrophobic sets that mirrored Gangubai’s harsh world. The director’s collaboration with cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee and production designer Amit Ray resulted in a visual palette that was both immersive and unsettling .
The film’s music, composed by Bhansali himself, also broke from tradition. Unlike his usual operatic scores, the soundtrack for Gangubai Kathiawadi incorporated folk and qawwali elements, grounding the story in its cultural context. The song "Dholida" became an instant hit, blending celebration with the film’s darker themes.
Reception and Legacy
Upon release, Gangubai Kathiawadi received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics lauded Bhatt’s performance and Bhansali’s direction but debated the film’s pacing and narrative choices. On SensCritique, it holds a 7.5/10 rating based on 290 votes, while Rotten Tomatoes’ audience score reflects a more polarized response . Despite the controversies, the film cemented its place as a bold entry in Bhansali’s filmography and a career-defining role for Bhatt.
As of now, Gangubai Kathiawadi remains a talking point in Bollywood circles—not just for its artistic merits, but for the conversations it sparked about representation, consent, and the ethics of biographical storytelling. Whether it will stand the test of time as a classic or a cautionary tale remains to be seen, but its impact is undeniable.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.