Mafia Queen|Feb. 24, 2022|India|152 Min.|n/A
Genre: Bollywood;Crime;Drama
Description: Gangubai Kathiawadi is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language biographical crime drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The movie follows the life of Ganga Harjivandas, a young woman from a wealthy family in Kathiawad who dreams of becoming a Bollywood actress. At 16, she elopes with her father’s accountant, Ramnik Lal, and marries him. However, her life takes a tragic turn when he sells her to a brothel in Kamathipura for Rs 500. Forced into prostitution, she eventually rises to become a powerful brothel madame and a champion for women’s rights, particularly for sex workers.
The film is loosely based on the true story of Gangubai Harjivandas, also known as Gangubai Kothewali, as documented in the book *Mafia Queens of Mumbai* by S. Hussain Zaidi. It portrays her journey from a simple girl to a dominant figure in Kamathipura, where she even wins local elections. Along the way, she forms a strong bond with Don Rahim Lala, who becomes her sworn brother after defending her against an assault.
Starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role, the film also features Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, Seema Pahwa, and Ajay Devgn in a cameo appearance. Premiering at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival on February 16, 2022, it was released in theaters on February 25, 2022. The movie received widespread acclaim, with particular praise for Alia Bhatt’s performance.
Cast director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cast actor: Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, Shantanu Maheshwari, Emraan Hashmi, M. K. Raina, Indira Tiwari, Jim Sarbh, Huma Qureshi
Original name: गंगूबाई काठियावाड़ी