‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ has released its first trailer. The upcoming period film from Sanjay Leela Bhansali promises to be the biggest outing yet for Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, known for films like ‘Gully Boy’. 

Based on S. Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges’ book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’, the premise follows a young woman, Ganga, who runs away from her small hometown of Kathiawad, with dreams of being a movie star. However, she’s betrayed by her lover, who sells her to a brothel in Mumbai’s infamous Kamathipura, the red-light district. 

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The story traces how she transforms into the matriarch, Gangubai. Thereon, Alia Bhatt’s character gives voice to the oppressed and tries to legitimize her profession as a sex worker.  Bhansali spoke to Variety about the movie, saying it is “the story of a woman’s fight against the injustices imposed on sex workers. It gives me immense pride that my team and I have portrayed Gangubai’s relentless pursuit for women’s empowerment through this film”.

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The trailer shows Gangubai locking heads with patriarchy, speaking about women’s respect and how institutes need male validation as opposed to merely a woman’s presence. 

As Gangubai moves on the path of politics, she faces opposition from rivals in all quarters. Among them, is Ajay Devgn’s character, who shows Gangubai that a world of violence might await her if she crosses paths with him. 

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The movie is produced jointly by Pen Studios and Bhansali’s house. Dr Jayantilal Gada, spoke for Pen Studios, saying, “As a production house, it was extremely challenging to shoot during the pandemic. However, we were motivated by the simple fact that Gangubai’s story needs to be told”. To this, Bhansali added “I am very happy to have the film premiere at the Berlin Film Festival and later in cinemas worldwide. I hope that the release of our trailer gives the audience a glimpse into Gangubai Kathiawadi’s world and inspires them to come watch the film”.

‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ will be screened at Berlinale on February 16 and will hit theatres worldwide on February 25.