Synonymous with bringing iconic and timeless characters to life onscreen in each of his films, the latest images of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to be released by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali continue to build the buzz ahead of the film's World Premiere at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival on February 16. The world premiere will be followed by its worldwide theatrical release on February 25.
The first trailer of the long-delayed magnum opus, which stars Alia Bhatt in the titular role, has finally been unveiled.
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The almost 3-minute trailer of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' opens with a voiceover followed by fast-paced background music, which isn't a staple of Bhansali's films. As Alia is introduced, the actor, through her dialogue delivery, mannerism and expressions, outshines all her previous performances.
The period drama has been adapted from one of the noted author Hussain Zaidi's books, 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai'. It features Alia as Gangubai, one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams from Kamathipura during the 1960s.
Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn also plays a pivotal role in the film. Taking to his Instagram handle, Devgn shared the look of his character from the film. Posing in front of a blue-coloured vintage car, Ajay's character emerges as confident, dressed in off-white pants, paired with a grey blazer and crisp shirt. His look is completed with a pair of dark shades and a dark-brown cap.
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Gangubai Kathiawadi has been chosen to be screened as part of Berlinale Special, a segment of the film festival dedicated to showcasing exemplary cinema from across the globe. This year's selections are films that have been shot during the pandemic. Sanjay Leela Bhansali completed the film against the backdrop of pandemic challenges in his milestone, the 25th anniversary year in the world of cinema. His tenth film, Gangubai Kathiawadi, has been of particular significance.
Speaking about the film's selection at Berlin Film Festival, Carlo Chatrian, Artistic Director of Berlin International Film Festival, said, "We are happy to premiere Gangubai Kathiawadi and continue the tradition of the Berlin Film Festival being a special setting for Indian movies. This time with a film that joins the usual craft in shaping camera movement and the choreography of bodies with a subject that is socially relevant, not only in India. From the very beginning, we were taken by the story of Gangubai, an exceptional woman dragged into exceptional circumstances."
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'Gangubai Kathiawadi' also stars Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, and Seema Pahwa. The film marks Bhansali's first collaboration with Alia.
This project will see Bhansali Productions collaborating with Jayantilal Gada's Pen India Limited and the reunion between superstar Devgn and Bhansali after the 1999 iconic film 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'.