Gangubai Kathiawadi

Glorified prostitution at its best especially if you are more receptive and open-minded. Sanjay Leela Bhansali strikes again with great musical and cinematography. Alia sinks her teeth into challenging role and defines various stages of Gangu's life.

Gorgeous Bhansali sets, photography, soulful music and a career best performance by Alia Bhatt. Her voice, mannerisms and acting is spot on. Ajay devgan gives a powerful guest appearance.

This is only the 2nd subtitled movie I've watched from India (1st one Badhaai Do) and I'm pleasantly surprised by the tough storyline of this movie and all the actor's emotional performances to help tell the story. To be honest, the inclusion of a little song and dance in such a harsh subject movie is a bit new to me but it was still a very good movie to see even subtitled. For those that have not seen any Indian movies, go see this one. It's well done. You may want to sit up a little closer to read the subtitles easier. I will be keeping my eye out for other movies from India.

At first you wonder whether Alia can do this role. This isn't her comfort zone. But she definitely delivers. The cute, girl next door role is traded for a mesmerising controlling role of Gangubai and she owns it. Excellent visual appeal, as you expect from a Sanjay Leela Bansali movie. The music is outstanding throughout. Dholida makes you fall in love with solo garba, and Alia's performance in that song is jaw dropping. Worth waiting for. Her final speech where she sits and delivers to an audience is Amtiabh Bachchan-esque. Ajay Devgan is brilliant albeit a cameo role. Worth a watch to see how well Alia delivers the Mafia Queen role!

Seldom will you find, a performance so sublime, as you're taken on the journey, of Gangubai Kathiawadi, through a life she did not plan, having been sold by her man, into the streets of female labour, of the kind, most would not savour.

You can applaud as many western best female actors to your hearts content, but I've not seen any of them match the overwhelming and outstanding performance that Alia Bhatt gives us here, as she takes us on a journey through the brothels of Mumbai, of the pain and the punishment inflicted once you've been imprisoned in a world with no escape, and the incredible way that hope and belief can change the lives of everyone around you.

Absolutely outstanding!