Gangubai Kathiavadi: Alia's magic makes the long length of movie bearable.

Vijay raj makes a long lasting impact on audience with his amazing performance as Raziabai. (3.5/5)

Before I begin writing the summary and review of the movie, I'd like to give a special mention to Vijay Raj, (although not the first time when he amazes us with his limited screen presence leaving a deep impact) who plays the role of Raziabai, doing a complete justice to the role by his outstanding acting skills. Though there was not much room to shine, but whatever time Vijay Raaj remained on screen, he will definitely keep a long lasting impact on the audience.

Gangubai Kathiavadi is a story of young Ganga (played by Alia bhat), who is born in an affluent family in Kathiavad. She aspired to be a Bollywood Actress, and is lured to mumbai by her Boyfriend Ramnik who later sold her to a brothel and is forced into prostitution. Although broken, Ganga rises through all the darkness around her, and becomes the queen of Kamathipura. The film is loosely based on the true story of Gangubai Harjivandas, popularly known as Gangubai Kothewali, whose life was documented in the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai written by S. Hussain Zaidi.

The journey when Alia transforms form Ganga to Gangu and then finally to Gangubai is the most beautiful part of the movie. The movie is set in Bombay of 60's, and the sets give a very extravagant and dramatic feeling. Although apart from that there were a lot of still frames that felt more like a painting, giving a very soothing effect.

Although there were many instances where I felt that charm in acting was missing, by various actors at times, but on a whole the movie keeps you glued, all thanks to Alia's extraordinary performance and beautiful background score makes it bearable.

Gangubai as a character is a very strong lady, who not only became a star but an advocate for the rights of all the women working in kamathipura and their kids. Although the director didn't dig deep into her life, and at the end there's an urge to know of what happened to Gangubai and her political ambitions.

It have its flaws, but this movie is a must watch to get a glimpse of Gangubai's life on infamous streets of Mumbai, and not to mention Alia Bhat's incredible performance, which could be best of her career.