Overview
A woman's fight for dignity and justice in a world that seeks to exploit her.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- defiant
- theatrical
- melancholic
- bollywood movie night
- historical drama night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film’s magnetic performances, especially Alia Bhatt’s titular portrayal, along with its music, production design, cinematography, and socially engaged direction.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bhansali’s direction emphasizes ornate production design, lavish musical sequences, and theatrical imagery around Gangubai’s rise.
Gangubai moves from coerced prostitution to organizing women, demanding dignity, and pursuing political influence.
Gangubai becomes known as a mafia queen while negotiating with Rahim Lala and opposing Raziabai.
Gangubai seeks better lives and rights for sex workers in the Kamathipura community.
Films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, and why
The Godfather
historical gangster drama centered on a charismatic woman navigating patriarchal power structures
American Gangster
stylized biographical crime saga with an ambitious protagonist rising through an illicit underworld
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Hindi biographical drama combining social critique, political struggle, and a commanding central performance
Movie Details
- Director
- Sanjay Leela Bhansali
- Release Date
- 2022-02-24
- Runtime
- 157 min
- Rating
- 7.5 / 10 (199)
Cast
- Alia Bhatt
- Ajay Devgn
- Shantanu Maheshwari
- Indira Tiwari
- Seema Pahwa
- Vijay Raaz
- Jim Sarbh
- Chhaya Kadam
- Anmol Kajani
- Rahul Vohra
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Gangubai Kathiawadi about?
- A lavish Hindi biographical crime drama follows a trafficked woman who transforms survival in Mumbai’s brothel world into power, solidarity, and social advocacy.
- What is Gangubai Kathiawadi like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Gangubai Kathiawadi as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Gangubai Kathiawadi violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Gangubai Kathiawadi as moderate.
- What did critics think of Gangubai Kathiawadi?
- Critics broadly praised the film’s magnetic performances, especially Alia Bhatt’s titular portrayal, along with its music, production design, cinematography, and socially engaged direction.
- Which films are like Gangubai Kathiawadi?
- Films with a similar feel include The Godfather, American Gangster, and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.
- How long is Gangubai Kathiawadi?
- Gangubai Kathiawadi runs 157 minutes.
- Where can I watch Gangubai Kathiawadi?
- In United States, Gangubai Kathiawadi streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
