Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) is a biographical crime drama about a young woman who is betrayed and sold into a Mumbai brothel but rises to become a feared and respected underworld figure who fights for the rights and dignity of women in her community. Sold after eloping with her boyfriend, Ganga (Gangubai) is forced into prostitution under Sheila Masi’s control. Unable to return to her former life, she transforms from a vulnerable girl with dreams of acting into a powerful, politically-minded leader who forges a close, almost fraternal bond with don Rahim Lala and challenges rival forces such as Raziabai. Watching the film, you’ll follow an intense, emotionally charged journey of survival, resistance, and empowerment. Expect scenes of raw hardship and exploitation balanced with moments of fierce solidarity, moral conviction, and hard-won dignity as Gangubai organizes and defends the women in her care. The story mixes criminal underworld conflict with political ambition, showing how one woman’s courage reshapes the lives around her. Overall, the film delivers a dramatic, often heartbreaking portrait of resilience and rebellion — a character-driven tale that blends crime, social activism, and personal sacrifice to leave viewers both moved and provoked.

Actors: Alia Bhatt, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Genres: Biography, Crime, Drama

7.8 /10 7.8 /10