‘A masterpiece’, says ‘words aren’t enough..
Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt, by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was released in theatres and has received glowing reviews from critics and Bollywood celebrities. Samantha Ruth Prabhu took to her Instagram account and praised the film, calling it a ‘masterpiece.’
Samantha wrote, “#GangubaiKathiawadi! Alia Bhatt, words aren’t enough to describe your performance. A masterpiece!! Every single dialogue and expression will be etched in my mind forever.” Sophie Choudry, Ananya Panday, Aditya Seal, and Anurag Kashyap echoed similar sentiments by actors Sophie Choudry, Ananya Panday, Aditya Seal, and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.
Panday penned, “It’s a master class watching you every time, Alia! Sanjay sir, you create magic!.”
Bhatt’s performance was described as “brilliantly disturbing” by Seal, while Kashyap shared a news article describing Bhatt as “the best actor in commercial cinema,” with the caption “Word.”
Actor Vicky Kaushal, who worked with Bhatt in ‘Raazi,’ had previously expressed his admiration for the actress’s performance in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ on his Instagram stories.
Calling Alia Bhatt as the definition of brilliance, Janhvi Kapoor had written in her Instagram Stories, “@aliaabhatt you are the definition of brilliance.
Unparalleled level of craft and finesse and heart and soul. You as Gangubai are nothing short of cinematic magic (red heart emoji)”.
Alia went all out with the film’s promotions and visited several cities to talk about her movie. The Highway actress even represented the film at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival with SLB for the world premiere. At the Berlinale, she spoke about wanting to work with Bhansali and auditioning for Black from 9 but getting rejected.
The film, which hits theaters, has received a good response, including film critics. The film revolves around Ganguly, who is forced into prostitution and later becomes an influential figure in Kamathipura, Mumbai’s Red Street. Alia Bhatt is the heroine. Apart from Alia, the film also stars Ajay Devgn, Vijay Ras, and Jim Sarba.
According to the sources, Gangubai Kathiawadi did a business of around Rs 10.50 crore on its opening day. The film came out to be the third-biggest opening for a movie released in the pandemic. The number one spot is currently held by Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi, while Ranveer Singh starrer 83 is in the second spot.
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial is expected to garner a total of Rs 40 crore by the end of the weekend.
The latest female-centric film Gangubai Kathiawadi is closely based on the true story of Gangubai Harjivandas from Kathiawad, who later became one of the most powerful women of Kamathipura.
The story has been taken from a chapter of S Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens Of Mumbai. The movie is helmed and co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and also had a guest appearance by Ajay Devgn as Rahim Lala.
Before the film arrived in theatres, a petition was filed against it, asking for a stay on its release. The Supreme Court dismissed the plea and observed that the film certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) prima facie showed that the film was not defamatory.
“In any case, anyways the story is true or incorrect would be decided by the Court upon examination of evidence. The film already got the certificate issued from CBFC prima facie shows which means that the film is not defamatory. Prima facie, it appears that the movie is an artistic expression within the parameters of the law,” the Court said.
Meanwhile, on the Workfront, Prabhu is currently filming ‘Yashoda,’ a science fiction thriller on the work front. Actors Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Unni
Mukundan, Rao Ramesh, Murali Sharma, and Sampath Raj, among others, star in the film, which filmmaker duo Hari and Harish direct.
‘Shaakuntalam’ and ‘Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal’ will also feature the actress in lead roles. ‘Arrangements of Love,’ directed by Philip John, will be her second foreign film based on a book.
Edited by: Kiran Maharana
Published by: Vishakha Verma
