I am a big fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I believe, even his ordinary work brings out flawless poetry on screen. The man always offers something unique with a fresh perspective. Ever since Gangubai Kathiawadi was announced, everyone had their eyes on the release date. From the critics to fans, from haters to neutrals. Amid everything about Covid-19, cinemas were waiting for something good.
I don’t usually write reviews of films but I could not resist sharing my thoughts about this one.
The Good & The Bad
Talking about the bad, I don’t have many points to make. I believe the whole film had a great pace and then it suddenly ends without creating a great emphasis on the final act. Regardless of the last few minute’s grand procession, there’s something that seems missing.
Now, the good!
The performances, screenplay, dialogues, background score, epic choreography, the translation of culture on screen, and the magic touch of SLB.
The best part about the movie is the commendable acting. Every actor shines through their given minutes on the screen. The whole cast is a camp of chameleons. From Alia Bhatt as Gangu, Shantanu Maheshwari as Afsaan to Indira Tiwari as Kamli, everyone will smoothly convince you of their roles.
The screenplay is swift enough to keep you hooked with bright, colorful cheers in the background score. However, I will not forgive the team of Gangubai Kathiwadi for not utilizing “Muskurahat” by Arijit Singh in the film hours.
What Gangubai Kathiawadi Lacked
Gangubai Kathiawadi is packed with a very talented ensemble cast. The screenplay carefully offers a well-adjusted part to everyone.
Obviously, the film revolves around Alia Bhatt and she comes out as an absolute stunner. The trailer offered glimpses of other brilliant actors including Jim Sarbh, Seema Pahwa, and Vijay Raaz.
On one hand, Seema Pahwa had enough screen time and potential impact. She delivers every bit of detail of her character with her flawless expressions and dialogue delivery. However, Vijay Raaz plays Raziabai, the main rival of Gangu in the film, and yet doesn’t get enough screen time. As obvious as it is, with the acceptance of revolution in Hindi cinema, people have become appreciative of the efforts of the actors. Therefore, the audience loved Raziabai ever since the first trailer came out. However, Vijay Raz did not have satisfactory screen time. PEOPLE WANTED MORE OF RAZIABAI. And it’s only FAIR.
What My Expectations Are From SLB’s Next
TBH the pretty sets, accurate definition of an era, and marvelous lighting game are the USP of every SLB movie. From Black, Devdas to Padmaavat the director brings out perfect colors of characters as well as the setting of the movie. However, his “beauty on-screen” game was just as spot-on in movies like Ham Dil De Chuke Sanam and Khamoshi The Musical.
Like every Sanjay Leela Bhansali fan, I would look forward to seeing films in authentic settings along with beautifully constructed sets.
Writer’s POV
I am not a feminist af but I would be lying if I said I have never craved experiencing a female character that has been written well. When Alia Bhatt says “Jab shakti, sampatti aur sadbuddhi teeno hi auratein hain to in mardo ko kis bat ka guroor?” I felt proud of the male writers.
Many would argue Alia is a star kid, born with a silver spoon in her mouth. I would agree and still say it takes utmost talent to achieve the brilliance she brings on the screen. Gangubai Kathiawadi is written in a way to tickle you one moment and make you emotional the other. If you have not had the time to watch it yet, make some. Every minute of it is worth it.
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