Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Actors : Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Vijay Raaz, Shantanu Maheshwari

Rated: 2.5 Out Of 5 Stars

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial tells the story of Ganga Kathiawadi, a carefree lass from Gujarat who is lured into the meshes of love and is tricked into being sold at a brothel in Mumbai’s infamous red-light district Kamathipura. From thereon begins her journey of becoming the reigning mafia queen in the area who fought for the rights of the women in the flesh trade.

Ganga falls in love with her suitor Ramnik who, aware of her ambition to become an actor inveigles her to flee to Bombay with him. The innocent soul that she is, fills her bags with the cash from her mother’s cupboard and boards a train en-route Bombay with the love of her life. Ramnik sells her into a brothel for a thousand bucks and abandons her. Here she is raped and brutalized and eventually becomes one with her plight. It is not late before she manages to garner the attention of a local political chieftain Karim Lala played by Ajay Devgn and becomes his close aide. With his help, she climbs the ladder of crime and harbours the ambition of contesting the election in the area and winning it. This brings her face to face with her rival Raziabai who will go to any extent to make Gangu’s life a living hell. Thanks to all her underworld connections, she manages to win the election and also ends up meeting the then Prime Minster Nehru.

Sanjay’s direction looks a little loose with some careless continuity errors. His grip on characterisation too falls short with the film as the looks and mannerisms of a seasoned prostitute don’t quite fit the bill, especially when compared to the other actresses who have played the role of a courtesan so effortlessly in the past, Mr Bhansali tries real hard to make his Gangubai convincing. Such roles require a certain amount of what I would call a somber calm, a “thehrao” in the demeanour, a certain amount of weight on the face and her very being. This was clearly missing. Well, the intention was to see the 50s and 60s era, whereas the body language of the main characters looked modern. That’s where it all fell short!

The film which is a screen adaptation from one of the chapters of the true-crime reportage bestseller Mafia Queens of Mumbai by Hussain Zaidi has Alia Bhatt playing the lead role. Alia as Gangubai tries her best to look the part. She is a good actress but she tries a little too hard to fit into the shoes of the brothel madam. The first half doesn’t even look convincing. However, things change quite drastically post the interval. This could possibly be because of the sudden change in the graph of her character, the dialogues which were far better than the ones we hear in the first half.

Shantanu Maheshwari plays a twenty-something tailor who is smitten by Gangu. His characterisation and mannerisms too are half-baked. In one scene, where there is a gala celebration of his marriage with another girl, there is a shot wherein he has a haphazard look on his face trying to figure out how could the lady who he knew loved him get him married to some other girl and in the very next shot he is seen laughing. His mannerisms too didn’t seem restrained in the scenes he was part of especially when his characterisation required it. He is better off doing bits and pieces on television and ALTBalaji web series. However, this was Mr. Bhansali’s shortcoming, and he probably overlooked all of it. Where is the direction, I ask.

Seema Pahwa was befitting as the madam of the brothel Gangu was sold into. She didn’t have much to do though, as far as continuity errors are concerned there are quite a few in the scenes she was part of as well. Ajay Devgn as underworld don Rahim Lala has a guest appearance in the film, he performs his role to the T. We don’t see much of him in the film but as usual, he acts with his eyes and is good with what he does in the film.

Mr Pallab Chanda’s art direction though stole the show. The sets were an exact look-alike of the buildings in the area, the curved art-deco type constructions that make way for many little lanes lined with theatres are still very much a part of Kamathipura. The background score and music by Ankit Balhara, Sanchit Balhara and Sanjay Leela Bhansali did play their part in evoking emotions in the scenes that required them. The cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee too was an okay job done which an abundance to low angle shots we see in most of the Bhansali films, nothing stands out though.

There were many inspirations that were taken from several films of the yesteryears, for instance, there is a scene where Shantanu’s character serenades Gangu in a “Baggi”or a horse-cart, the entire sequence seemed to be lifted from Kamal Amrohi’s Pakeezah, where Ashok Kumar is serenading Meena Kumari in a “baggi” with her head resting on his lap. All in all it is definitely a one time watch film but instead of watching in theatres, you can surely wait for it to hit Netflix.

Since the launch of the highly appreciated trailer of the film, audiences were demanding to watch more of Ajay Devgn. And on special demand, Sanjay Leela Bhansali gives us a sneak peek of Rahim Lala. The film stars Alia Bhatt as Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Gangubai’s path crosses with Rahim Lala who becomes a strong support to help Gangu attain her mission and that’s how their friendship unfolds. Ajay Devgn, shared a clip featuring himself as Rahim Lala on his Instagram handle and wrote, “Imaan. Dharam. Dhanda. Aa rahe hai hum 6 dino mein” 

Take a look –

The film has been showcased in the Belin International Film Festival and has been garnering a lot many praises and applauses. Back in India, there has been number of controversies the film has been embroiled in. Gangubai Kathiawadi’s family have filed a case against the makers of the film. Well Gangubai’s adopted son and granddaughter are extremely irked with the portrayal of their mother as a prostitute and have send notices to the makers of the film.

Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Dr. Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios), the film is all set to release theatrically on 25th February, 2022.

The erstwhile showman sated that when the music scene was dominated by stalwarts like Laxmikant Pyarelal and Rajesh Roshan, Bappi Lahiri made a mark for himself in the industry with his unque sounds, “From 1970 to 1990, top music directors like Laxmikant Pyarelal, Pancham ji, Rajesh Roshan, Nadeem Shah, and many others were reigning the industry and it was very difficult for a new music composer to stand the competition. But, this magical boy Bappi Lahiri came and created a different music. He made music of his own kind, and it became what we call ‘Desi disco’ and he then created tap music for everyone, one that continues to be a hit even for the youth, and current generation, one that was evergreen.”

Ghai further stated that Bappi da became an icon because the world imitated him, “He became a top music composer, but with a difference, that is Bappi Lahiri. You can only become an icon when people imitate you, not when you imitate someone else, and that is why Bappi Lahiri became an icon. We tried to work with each other on multiple occasions but failed to do so. We had great admiration and affection for each other, we used to meet each other with all the love, he was a wonderful person and a great soul, may God bless him,” he stated.

The entire film fraternity in India is sad with the sudden death of the legend. Many actors have taken to their social media to share their grief and condole Mr Lahiri’s demise. Actor Ajay Devgn took to his social media and wrote, “Bappi Da was so endearing in person. But his music had an edge. He introduced a more contemporary style to Hindi film music with ‘Chalte Chalte’, ‘Suraksha’ and ‘Disco Dancer’. Shanti Dada, you will be missed.”

Take a look –

Bappi Da was so endearing in person. But, his music had an edge. He introduced a more contemporary style to Hindi film music with Chalte Chalte, Suraksha & Disco Dancer.
🕉 Shanti Dada🙏 You will be missed

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) February 16, 2022

Akshay Kumar took to his social media and wrote,  “Today we lost another gem from the music industry… Bappi Da, your voice was the reason for millions to dance, including me. Thank you for all the happiness you brought through your music. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti.”

Take a look –

Today we lost another gem from the music industry… Bappi Da,your voice was the reason for millions to dance, including me. Thank you for all the happiness you brought through your music. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti 🙏🏻

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) February 16, 2022

Actress Madhuri Dixit too expressed grief and mourned for the legend who completed 50 years in Bollywood this year. She wrote, ”

This is a big loss for the Hindi Music Industry. Today we’ve lost a gem with a golden heart & a golden voice while the heaven found it’s treasure. You’ll be truly missed, Bappi Da… Rest in eternal melodious peace…
ॐ शांति 🙏🏻

#RIP

Take a look –

This is a big loss for the Hindi Music Industry. Today we’ve lost a gem with a golden heart & a golden voice while the heaven found it’s treasure. You’ll be truly missed, Bappi Da… Rest in eternal melodious peace…
ॐ शांति 🙏🏻 #RIP pic.twitter.com/Wvf04qoVsG

— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) February 16, 2022

Just a while ago, Bappi Lahiri’s family officially announed that the last rites of Mr Lahiri will take place only after his son Bappa Lahiri arrives in India  from LA tomorrow mid-morning. We at Indiachron hope the family gets the strength to keep it together in this hour of bereavement. And we pray that BappiDa’s soul rests in eternal peace.

Earlier, SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus RRR was supposed to release on October 13 as a Diwali treat for Jr NTR and Ram Charan fans. However, earlier this month the makers announced that they will release the film on a new date “when the world cinema markets are up and running.” Whereas Gangubai Kathiawadi was too awaiting a theatrical release as PEN Movies denied choosing an OTT route.

RRR, which marks the regional debut of Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn is a fictional period drama about two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Jr NTR), who fought against the British Raj and Nizam of Hyderabad respectively.

Meanwhile, Gangubai Kathiawadi is based on S Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’, which is based on the true life of a brothel owner and a matriarch turned politician Gangubai who hailed from Kamathipura. In this film where Alia is playing Gangubai, Ajay Devgn will helm the character of Karim Lala.

Surprisingly, both of these films are being distributed by the same company: PEN Marudhar Entertainment. After knowing the fact that a clash results in at least a portion of the business being divided, we wonder why this company would want to release two lavish starrer big films at the same time? What do you think about this?

As per the latest reports, A Delhi-based lawyer Gaurav Gulati has filed a case against 38 Indian celebrities both from Tollywood and Bollywood, including Anupam Kher, Farhan Akhtar, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Maharaja Ravi Teja, Rakul Preet Singh, Allu Sirish, Charmme Kaur, and others for revealing the victim’s identity on social media. 

As per the law, it is unethical to use the real name of rape victims in media or any public platform. Reportedly, Gaurav filed a complaint regarding the same in Sabzi Mandi Police Station under IPC section 228 A and also filed a petition in Tees Hazari Court. In his complaint, the Delhi-based lawyer said that instead of setting an example for others, Indian celebrities of such big stature forgot their moral ethics and mentioned the real name of the victim without any social responsibility.

Gaurav has now reportedly sought an immediate arrest of all the above celebrities, alleging that they have shown no social responsibility with regard to maintaining the privacy of the victim. For more such updates, stay glued to ‘The India Chron’.

According to news reports, Ajay Devgn and his team are expected to stay at Moscow for a week or more and finalize their locations, prepare for the new film and then head to their destination Russia for for an eight days shoot.

Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh and Boman Irani will reportedly shoot for several crucial airport scenes which can get difficult with people frequently coming in and going out of the airport, admist the covid hassel airport and railway platform shoots are the toughest yet the team is expected to try their best to work for the film and help the makers bring it out well keeping the safety of everyone in mind.

With Amitabh Bachchan and Ajay Devgn as the protaganists of the film, many parts of it are already shot in Mumbai and Hyderabad. After filming ‘Major Sahab’, ‘Khakee’ and ‘Satyagraha’ together, Bachchan and Devgn are reunited in this film are seven years for the screen.

In the film, Ajay and Rakul essaying the role of pilots. Mayday is an aviation thriller, scheduled to hit the screens on April 29, 2022.

As soon as the actor posted picture of the actress, her fans started commenting on her picture wishing her and blessing her on this amazing day. Saying, “Oh that’s such a sweet wish ajay sir. God bless you both. You are so blessed @itsKajolD to have such a nice husband. Wish you a super wonderful birthday and a great year ahead #HappyBirthdayKajol”
Celebrities like Akansha Malhotra, Sidharth Malhotra and even Saba Pataudi wished her on Instagram by posting pictures of her on their stories.

Heavenly blessed by so many wishes Kajol Devgn’s 47th birthday received wishes and blessing from all her fans and friends.

This duo was loved for the films like Raid and Baahshao and now we would see a different angle of them in this series. This is to be shot in the local areas of Mumbai. This is announced to be one of a kind crime series and will be produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC studios.

With so many projects in hand Ajay Devgn will be all on air for both Maidan and this yet to come series. Atul Kulkarni will also not just be seen in ‘Rudra- The edge of Darkness’ but also in ‘The city of dreams- season 2’ again of Applause Entertainment and that too will be released on Disney+Hotstar the OTT platform.

While an interview, Kulkarni said, “Digital content is dynamic and has altered the art of storytelling. Rudra – The Edge of Darkness is a gripping series that will surely disrupt the genre of cop dramas in India. With Rajesh Mapuskar helming the project, it will be exciting to work on this thriller. The series also comprises a stellar cast, and I can’t wait to begin filming this one. I am delighted to team up with Applause Entertainment again post the hit political drama City of Dreams.”

The actress from Tamil and Telugu films, Raashi too said, “I am very excited to be a part of Applause Entertainment’s Rudra – The Edge of Darkness. It is really rare to get something that pushes you out of your comfort zone and actually challenges you as an actor and Rudra just gave me that opportunity. I am extremely elated. Looking forward to an amazing experience on set with talented actors like Ajay Devgn, Esha Deol, Atul Kulkarni amongst others, and I am excited to collaborate with Applause Entertainment and BBC Studios for this one.”

“Sarhad pe goli kha kar jab toot jaye meri saas, mujhe bhej dena yaaro meri budhi maa ke pass.”, this was the very first sentence of the poem then actor said with a deep throat and an intense look.
Not just to the mother, the actor spoke as a soldier to his friends for this father, sister, brother and even lover.

Each sentence of the poetry was written with true emotions and listening to it might give u a sudden heartache. Ending the poetry the actor said, he is a sipahi (soldier) and he had to break all the promises he made to his family infront of the promise he made to his mother land, his county.

“Bas ek akhri guzaarish, meri aakhri khwahish, meri mouth ka maatam na karna. Maine khud yeh shahadaat chahi hai, mai jeeta hu marne ke liye, mera naam Sipaahi hai.” These words ended the poetry and a very decent and interesting manner.

The poetry was such a solace expressing the emotion of love for the country and life for the family.
Sharing the poetry on Facebook, Akshay Kumar wrote, “I’m not very expressive when it comes to emotions in real life. But this got me in tears. Ajay Devgn I didn’t know you have got a brilliant poet in you. Kis kis baat pe dil jeetoge yaar?”

Akshay Kumar loved the poem and praised it, after that the poem has started getting viral as Akshay Kumars fan base started appreciating and sharing the post on their accounts.