Gangubai Kathiawadi Review - Story

Gangubai (Alia Bhatt) is a troubled prostitute in a hostile neighborhood in Mumbai. She goes through absolute hell before deciding to become a social reformer. She then tries her hand at politics and there is no looking back. But what are the hardships Gangubai has to go through early in her career?

Gangubai Kathiawadi Review - Analysis

Alia Bhatt is a standout performer and she showcases her range as an actress with the intense social drama that deals with a prevalent periodic social issue. Her portrayal of a prostitute turned social reformer is one of the finest ever performances. She quite literally breathes life into the character.

Gangubai is an honest retelling of the life story of a courageous woman who rose from the downtrodden red light streets of Mumbai to politics. The film is based on real incidents and that adds to the intensity and intrigue factor. Sanjay Leela Bhansali picks a striking script that not just challenges the actor in Alia Bhatt but also himself as a director. The film is a testimony of the kind of rare talents these two possess. But the fundamental problem with Gangubai is that it progresses on a predictable note for most parts. The narrative is offputting at times. The tempo drops down drastically in the middle portion as things unfold at their own pace. The uneven pace of the proceedings could well be the main drawback of the film. The character arc and the technical finesse are the real standouts, but the uneven pace of the proceedings plays spoilsport here and there. But as a whole, Gangubai can be made for a decent watch if you go to the theatre with minimal expectations.