Bollywood super duper Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s much-anticipated film “Gangubai Kathiawadi” starring Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn, has been selected to be screened at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival in February 2022 and will have its world premiere at the festival. The film will hit theatres on 18 February 2022. “Gangubai Kathiawadi” is special for Sanjay Leela Bhansali and very close to his heart. Speaking about the film`s selection at Berlin Film Festival, he said, "The story of “Gangubai Kathiawadi” has been very close to my heart and me and my team has given it all to make this dream possible. We take pride and honor in showcasing our film at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival." Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian of Berlin International Film Festival said, “We are happy to premiere Gangubai Kathiawadi and continue the tradition of the Berlin Film Festival being a special setting for Indian movies. This time with a film that joins the usual craft in shaping camera movement and the choreography of bodies with a subject that is socially relevant, not only in India. From the very beginning, we were taken by the story of Gangubai, an exceptional woman dragged into exceptional circumstances."
“Gangubai Kathiawadi” is said to be a woman who came to Mumbai from Gujarat with her partner, but was betrayed, sold off, and pushed into prostitution. Kathiawadi, in the middle of the last century, built ties with many underworld criminals and got a hold over certain portions of South Mumbai. She became the owner of a brothel and is said to have worked for the upliftment of women and orphans in the red-light area of Mumbai`s Kamathipura.