Gangubai Kathiawadi
Gangubai Kathiawadi [2022]
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz
Direction by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Language: Hindi
When I saw that there was a new Bollywood period movie in the cinemas, I had no choice but to watch it. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, someone known for his over-the-top, beautiful renditions of history in Bollywood film, I thought that it would be spectacular to watch. But I was let down to a certain extent. It was a very interesting idea, and the very creation of this movie indicates that there is still a spark of hope in what many would call a dying industry. However, the execution of it was not as good as it could have been.
What I didn’t realise when booking this movie was that it was a historical piece from a totally different time in history. Bhansali’s other work: Padmaavat, Devdas, were all incredibly big budget, where everyone was dressed in heavy golden jewelry, and everyone was wearing elaborate costume. There was a certain theatrical element his other work that this movie just did not have. Whilst I understand that this movie was set in inner city Mumbai in the latter decades of the 20th century, it could have been stylised a little more to become a more consistent with his other work. In some parts, however, is was a little bit too artistic for my liking. There are elements in the movie which required real grit that I felt were done in a way that didn’t fit with the character of the scene.
The music could have also been a lot better: there was so much opportunity! This movie was set in a time period and in an area that has not previously been exploited in the Bollywood industry. And the plot! It was about a prostitute! There was so much potential that was just wasted: without enough good music, there was so much complexity that was left unearthed. For example, one of the songs, Meri Jaan, relied too heavily on modern beats - I felt that it just didn’t fit with the theme of the movie.
Alia Bhatt, the leading lady, was also not the best pick for the main character in this movie. Her attempts at trying to imitate a harsh, menacing way of speech did not work, and she ended up sounding quite fake. It was also the case that Bhatt did not have the appropriate physical characteristics to play such a role. Having seen pictures of the real Gangubai, Bhatt’s characteristics did not live up to mark. Because of this, she looked visually different from all the other women in the movie, which was saddening considering that a main theme was one of togetherness and solidarity. An actress such as Vidya Balan, who not only has experience in a role like this but has characteristics more similar to the person trying to be emulated, would have been a much better choice. Alia Bhatt did give it her all, and this movie does signify her progression from 'chick-flicks' to more serious cinema, but she was not the best choice.
One thing that was done well, however, was the set design. The dark alleyways of the inner city were really brought to life, and that was especially evident in the details. From the tiny advertisements in the newspapers that were being read, to the hand-painted Bollywood posters lining the walls of the area, it was set design where this movie really excelled. At least I can say that Bhansali consistently produces movies that always look quite visually attractive.
Overall, I can’t say much more about the movie apart from the fact that it was lackluster. There were some elements which were shoddily done, and required a lot more contemplation before being executed. Hopefully, we will have some more creative, innovative movies in the future; this was a good movie symbolically, but it was not the best in execution.
6/10
