A new Hindi crime drama has broken into the top 10 Netflix movies in Thailand, holding onto the #1 spot this week.
Set in the red-light district of Mumbai in the 1960s, Gangubai Kathiawadi follows the story of Gangu, a woman who was trafficked into prostitution by her partner but later discovers she has power.
Alia Bhatt plays Gangu, who also becomes an activist and advocate. The actress has captivated viewers with her excellent and passionate performance since she manages to convey strength, desire, respect and fear through the cold and calculating gaze of a female antihero.
Gangu’s story is based on a real-life woman who appears in S. Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges’ hard-hitting book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai.’ But director Sanjay Leela Bhansali took a broader, more entertaining approach to adapting the character.
The film opens with a little girl being sold to the brothel of Rashmibai, who is forced into the flesh trade business. However, the girl disagrees, and Rashmibai must seek help from Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Gangu first wanted to be an actress but her lover Ramnik, played by Varun Kapoor, tricks her into eloping to Mumbai, promising the naïve young woman that he will pave the way to help her become a Bollywood star. However, she was sold to Shelia Masi’s brothel and forced to become a prostitute.
Over time, Gangu gained fellow women’s respect and support, which was key to going up against Sheila Masi. Known as the mafia queen, she started fighting to guarantee a better life for all women in her community.
Mumbai soon became her home. Years later, Gangu ends up being the heroine of Kamathipura, having the brothel girls in her family and the neighborhood under her rule.
Gangu also decides to venture into the world of politics and defend women’s rights. But her path is hampered by tough opponents like Raziabai, challenges, and the social stigma attached to her past.
Gangubai Kathiawadi spectacularly shows the beautiful transformation of its main character through her life, building a raw and shocking narrative with powerful dialogue and heartbreaking moments.
Bhansali managed to leave people craving to know more about Gangu’s journey with a film made under his signature style that has managed to sneak into Netflix tops in Thailand and the world.
