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Movie Analysis Gangubai

Movie analysis involves critically examining various elements of a film like plot, characters, cinematography, and themes to uncover its underlying messages and impact. It goes beyond a simple review by encouraging deeper analysis and interpretation. This allows viewers to better understand how films communicate messages and influence society. Analyzing psychological components and symbolism enables a deeper enjoyment and appreciation of films as artistic works that reflect human behavior. Ultimately, movie analysis prompts critical thinking and engages viewers in interpreting a film's themes and meaning, enhancing their experience with this popular medium.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
72 views20 pages

Movie Analysis Gangubai

Movie analysis involves critically examining various elements of a film like plot, characters, cinematography, and themes to uncover its underlying messages and impact. It goes beyond a simple review by encouraging deeper analysis and interpretation. This allows viewers to better understand how films communicate messages and influence society. Analyzing psychological components and symbolism enables a deeper enjoyment and appreciation of films as artistic works that reflect human behavior. Ultimately, movie analysis prompts critical thinking and engages viewers in interpreting a film's themes and meaning, enhancing their experience with this popular medium.

Uploaded by

tnima
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction

Movie analysis is when film is analysed for cultural context, symbolism, narrative

structure and mise-en-scene, among other approaches. It involves dissecting and interpreting

different components of a movie to uncover its underlying messages, social commentary, and

emotional impact on the audience.

Movie analysis goes beyond a simple review or summary of a film. It involves a

critical examination of various elements such as plot, characters, cinematography, themes,

and symbolism. It encourages critical thinking, deepens our appreciation for the art form, and

provides a platform for discussion and interpretation. Furthermore, movie analysis allows us

to explore the profound impact that movies have on society, as they often reflect and shape

our collective values, beliefs, and experiences

An increased ability to analyse psychological components in films enables viewers to

enjoy and understand films on a deeper level. It also gives them the tools to see each new

film as more than just a form of entertainment, but as source material for examples and

models of every type of human behaviour that can be portrayed. Film is a hugely popular

medium and a multi-billion-dollar industry because movies communicate to a wide audience.

By analysing the psychology behind films, viewers understand how films communicate and

the messages they convey.

It allows us to unravel the complexities of a film, connect with its characters, and

interpret its underlying messages, ultimately enhancing our enjoyment and engagement with

the medium. Ultimately, movie analysis encourages critical thinking and engages viewers in a

dialogue with the film. It invites us to go beyond a passive consumption of entertainment and

prompts us to question, interpret, and reflect upon the themes, messages, and impact of the

movie. By analysing films, we open ourselves to a world of interpretation, discussion, and

appreciation for the art form.


Basic Concepts

Attitudes and it’s types

Attitudes are predisposed feelings learned over time that cause us to act, think, and

feel a certain way about events or other people. Predisposed refers to a tendency to feel a

certain way. Attitudes generally inform how we treat other people and react to situations in

our lives.

If we have a positive attitude toward dogs, we will generally be happy when we see a

dog. If we hold a negative attitude toward dogs, like the attitude that dogs are dangerous, we

will try to avoid dogs whenever possible! Attitudes are primarily feelings, but they impact our

thoughts and actions as well. Some attitudes are quite stable and resistant to change, while

others may be unstable and show considerable variability depending on the situation

(Schwarz & Bohner, 2001).It can be hard to separate the feeling part of an attitude from the

thinking and doing parts. Our behaviours and reactions, in turn, can also impact our attitudes.

The study of attitudes is central to the field of social psychology because they are capable of

colouring virtually every aspect of our experience.

Attitudes can influence our thoughts, even if they are not always reflected in our overt

behaviour. Moreover, while many of our attitudes are explicit attitudes (conscious and

reportable) other attitudes may be implicit attitudes (uncontrollable and perhaps not

consciously accessible to us. For example, Many colourblind or self-perceived egalitarian

people will report positive explicit attitudes toward African Americans. However they may

also display negative involuntary evaluative reactions (implicit attitudes) because it is almost

impossible to grow up in the United States without acquiring such negative racial

associations (Fazio & Olson,2003).

Attitudes are made up of three parts: affective, behavioural, and cognitive. These parts are

sometimes referred to as the ABC model of attitudes. Any attitude can include these three
parts, but not all attitudes include all three of them. These parts help us identify our attitudes

and the ways they influence us.

Affective Component

The affective component of attitude encompasses our emotional response to the object

of our attitude. If we believe dogs are dangerous, we will experience anxiety or fear when we

see a dog. We might even feel afraid just thinking about dogs or seeing a picture of one! An

attitude that is built largely on the affective component is called an affective-based attitude.

Behavioural Component

The behavioural component of attitude encompasses the way we act toward the object

of our attitude. Crossin the street to avoid a dog is the behavioural component of a negative or

fearful attitude toward dogs. Our behaviour is not always secondary to our attitudes.

Sometimes we may not even have an immediate sense of how we feel about something until

we examine our behaviour. An attitude that is built largely on the behavioural component is

called a behaviour-based attitude.

Cognitive Component

The cognitive component of attitude encompasses our beliefs and thoughts about the

object of our attitude. It includes our knowledge about a particular thing or topic. Often, these

cognitive components can be based on overgeneralized assumptions like "All drugs are bad."

An attitude that is built largely on the cognitive component is called a cognitive-based

attitude.

Theories of Attitudes

Several theories have been proposed to explain the formation and structure of

attitudes. One prominent theory is the cognitive dissonance theory, introduced by Leon

Festinger in 1957. This theory suggests that individuals strive for consistency between their

attitudes and behaviours, and when inconsistency arises, they experience cognitive
discomfort or dissonance. To reduce this dissonance, individuals may change their attitudes,

beliefs, or behaviours. Another influential theory is the social learning theory, proposed by

Albert Bandura in the 1970s. This theory suggests that attitudes are acquired through

observation and imitation of others' behaviours. People learn attitudes by observing the

rewards and punishments associated with certain behaviours, and they may adopt those

attitudes as their own.

The elaboration likelihood model (ELM) is another important theory in the field of

attitudes. Developed by Richard E. Petty and John T. Cacioppo in the 1980s, this model

suggests that attitude change can occur through two routes: the central route and the

peripheral route. The central route involves thoughtful and deliberate processing of

information, whereas the peripheral route relies on cues such as attractiveness or credibility

of the communicator

Attitude Formation

Attitudes can be formed through various factors, including experience, social factors,

learning, conditioning, observation. Attitudes form directly as a result of experience. They

may emerge due to direct personal experience, or they may result from observation.

Social factors

Social roles and social norms can have a strong influence on attitudes. Social roles

relate to how people are expected to behave in a particular role or context. Social norms

involve society's rules for what behaviours are considered appropriate.

Learning

Attitudes can be learned in a variety of ways. Consider how advertisers classical

conditioning to influence your attitude toward a particular product. In a television

commercial, you see young, beautiful people having fun on a tropical beach while enjoying a
sports drink. This attractive and appealing imagery causes you to develop a positive

association with this particular beverage.

Conditioning

Operant Conditioning can also be used to influence how attitudes develop. Imagine a

young man who has just started smoking. Whenever he lights up a cigarette, people

complain, chastise him, and ask him to leave their vicinity. This negative feedback from those

around him eventually causes him to develop an unfavourable opinion of smoking and he

decides to give up the habit.

Observation

When someone you admire greatly espouses a particular attitude, you are more likely

to develop the same beliefs. For example, children spend a great deal of time observing the

attitudes of their parents and usually begin to demonstrate similar outlooks.

Attitude Change & Persuasion

While attitudes can have a powerful effect on behaviour, they are not set in stone. The

same influences that lead to attitude formation can also create attitude change. Classical

conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning can be used to bring about

attitude change. Classical conditioning can be used to create positive emotional reactions to

an object, person, or event by associating positive feelings with the target object.

Operant conditioning can be used to strengthen desirable attitudes and weaken undesirable

ones. People can also change their attitudes after observing the behaviour of others.

Theory of persuasion suggests that people can alter their attitudes in two ways. First,

they can be motivated to listen and think about the message, thus leading to an attitude shift.

Or, they might be influenced by the characteristics of the speaker, leading to a temporary or

surface shift in attitude. Messages that are thought-provoking and that appeal to logic are

more likely to lead to permanent changes in attitudes.


Cognitive dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort that results from holding two

conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. People tend to seek consistency in

their attitudes and perceptions, so this conflict causes unpleasant feelings of unease or

discomfort.

It can be employed to facilitate attitude change. When individuals experience

inconsistency between their attitudes and behaviours, they may feel uncomfortable and seek

to resolve this dissonance. By presenting information or experiences that challenge their

existing attitudes, one can promote attitude change and reduce cognitive dissonance.

Attribution

Attribution theory focuses on how people explain the causes of behaviours and

events. In the context of attitudes, attribution refers to the process of assigning causal

explanations to the attitudes of oneself or others. Attribution can be categorized into internal

(dispositional) and external (situational) attributions.

Internal attribution suggests that attitudes or behaviours are caused by personal

characteristics, traits, or disposition. For example, if someone has a positive attitude toward

helping others, it may be attributed to their compassionate nature. External attribution, on the

other hand, suggests that attitudes or behaviours are influenced by situational or

environmental factors. For instance, if someone displays a positive attitude toward a

particular political party, it may be attributed to the influence of their social surroundings or

media exposure.

Attribution has important implications for understanding attitude formation and

change. People often attribute their own attitudes to internal factors, such as personal beliefs

or values. However, when explaining the attitudes of others, they tend to rely on external

attributions, attributing them to situational factors or social influence. Understanding these


attribution processes can help in developing effective persuasion strategies and

communication techniques.

Review of Literature

A study by Sahoo, D., Harichandan, S., Kar, S. K., & S, S. (2022, June). An empirical study

on consumer motives and attitude towards adoption of electric vehicles in India: Policy

implications for stakeholders.

The aim of the study is to investigate the motives behind users’ attitude formation,

behavioural intention, and word of mouth towards electric vehicles, an online survey was

conducted among Indian youths who are currently using or potential users of electric

vehicles. Data were collected by applying a multi-stage stratified sampling method, structural

equation modelling technique. The results showed that while positive and social motives

influence positive attitudes, the negative motives discourage and negatively affect electric

vehicle adoption. The moderating impact of buyer involvement (high vs low) between

motives and attitude was also tested. The study findings suggest that stakeholders can shape

the motives through government policy and strategic action. (Sahoo et al., 2022)

A study by Karkera B., Esaimani ,V (2021). Analysing the Cognitive Dissonance

Behaviour of a Customer before Buying Products in Retail Stores

This study (Karkera & Esaimani, 2021) seeks to discover different elements of

cognitive dissonance behaviour that affect customers' purchasing conduct in an organised

retail sector and their degree of influence on buying decisions. This research solely includes

organised retail shops such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, retailers and shopping centres in

Pune city of Maharashtra, India. The study helps merchants to manage a firm successfully for

the long term through appropriate tactics to address the cognitive dissonance behaviour of

customer to retain them in long term. The two hypothesis were – There is no significant

relationship between cognitive dissonance behaviour and buying/ purchasing decision of


consumer; here is significant relationship between cognitive dissonance behaviour and

buying/ purchasing decision of consumer. The sample sizes of the study were 120 (Retail

consumers). The findings of this study revealed that marketing elements, personal factors,

psychological factors, situational factors, social aspects, cultural factors, and quality

considerations all influence a customer's cognitive dissonance behaviour before purchasing a

product in a retail store. The study also discovered that there is a significance relationship

between Cognitive Dissonance Behavior and Consumer Purchasing Decisions in the Retail

Industry. The findings will help marketers and academics understand the relevance of

Cognitive Dissonance in determining whether a customer is satisfied or unsatisfied.

A study by Sidhu, A.K., Pednekar, M.S., Fong, G.T.(2022). Smoking-related psychosocial

beliefs and justifications among smokers in India: Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) India

Surveys, BMC Public Health 22

Previous research in high-income countries has shown that smokers reduce their

cognitive dissonance through two types of justifications over time: risk minimizing and

functional beliefs. This study (Sidhu & Pednekar, 2022) examined these justifications and

their relation to quitting behavior and intentions among smoking tobacco users in India. The

data are from the Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) India Survey, a prospective cohort of

nationally representative sample of tobacco users. Key measures include questions about

psychosocial beliefs such as functional beliefs (e.g., smoking calms you down when you are

stressed or upset) and risk-minimizing beliefs (e.g., the medical evidence that smoking is

harmful is exaggerated) and quitting behavior and intentions. The results suggest that

smokers in India exhibit similar patterns of dissonance reduction as reported in studies from

HICs: smokers who quit reduced their smoking justifications in the form of functional beliefs,

not risk-minimizing beliefs. Smokers’ beliefs change in concordance with their smoking
behavior and functional beliefs tend to play a significant role as compared to risk-

minimizing beliefs.

A study by Chen, S., Xiao, L., & Mao, J. (2021, September). Persuasion strategies of

misinformation-containing posts in the social media. Information Processing &

Management, 58(5), 102665.

In order to better understand the sociological and psychological mechanisms

underlying the presentation and spread of online misinformation, a study was done to look at

the use of persuasive methods and its impact on the propagation of postings in Sina Weibo

that include disinformation. This study helped to explain why misinformation-containing

posts could have an impact on netizens. The study also intends to investigate the connections

between three message-based characteristics of postings that include disinformation,

including subject, intended action, and digital element. According to the study's findings,

pathos methods are more frequently used to persuade people in posts that contain false

information than in posts without such material. Additionally, the subjects, anticipated

behaviours, and digital components of the messages all correspond to the persuasive

techniques utilised in the posts that include false information. Additionally, we discovered

statistically significant effects of persuasion techniques on users' reactions to posts that

contained false information. The results of this study suggest a complicated and context-

dependent process that underlies the display and spread of disinformation, which provides

insight into the attempts to combat misinformation in social media. (Chen et al., 2021)

A study by Davison, K. K., & Lawson, C. T. (2006). Do attributes in the physical

environment influence children’s physical activity? A review of the literature.

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 3(1), 19.

Many youth today are physically inactive. Recent attention linking the physical or

built environment to physical activity in adults suggests an investigation into the relationship
between the built environment and physical activity in children could guide appropriate

intervention strategies. Thirty three quantitative studies that assessed associations between

the physical environment (perceived or objectively measured) and physical activity among

children (ages 3 to 18-years) and fulfilled selection criteria were reviewed. Findings were

categorized and discussed according to three dimensions of the physical environment

including recreational infrastructure, transport infrastructure, and local conditions. Results

across the various studies showed that children's participation in physical activity is

positively associated with publicly provided recreational infrastructure (access to recreational

facilities and schools) and transport infrastructure (presence of sidewalks and controlled

intersections, access to destinations and public transportation). At the same time, transport

infrastructure (number of roads to cross and traffic density/speed) and local conditions

(crime, area deprivation) are negatively associated with children's participation in physical

activity. Results highlight links between the physical environment and children's physical

activity. Additional research using a transdisciplinary approach and assessing moderating and

mediating variables is necessary to appropriately inform policy efforts.

Movie Analysis

"Gangubai Kathiawadi" is a Hindi-language biographical crime film directed by

Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The movie is based on a chapter from the book "Mafia Queens of

Mumbai" by journalist Hussain Zaidi, which portrays the life of Gangubai Kothewali, a

powerful and influential figure in the red-light district of Kamathipura, Mumbai, during the

1960s.

The film follows the journey of Gangubai, played by Alia Bhatt, who is sold into

prostitution at a young age and rises to become the matriarch of Kamathipura. Gangubai is

known for her intelligence, resilience, and fierce determination to protect and uplift the
women in her community. She navigates through a male-dominated underworld and gains

respect and power by establishing her own brothel.

The screenplay provides a well-paced narrative that blends elements of crime, drama,

and emotion. The storytelling technique keeps the audience engaged throughout the film,

weaving together Gangubai's personal struggles, her rise to power, and her efforts to bring

justice to the women of Kamathipura. The dialogues are impactful and capture the essence of

the characters' emotions.

The supporting cast, including Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, and Seema Pahwa,

delivers commendable performances, adding depth to the film's narrative. The music,

composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is a mix of soulful melodies and energetic dance

numbers, complementing the mood of the movie.

"Gangubai Kathiawadi" offers a compelling exploration of power, resilience, and the

indomitable spirit of a woman in a challenging environment. It sheds light on the harsh

realities faced by women in the red-light district and the complex dynamics of the Mumbai

underworld during that era. The film successfully portrays Gangubai as a complex and

multifaceted character, humanizing her while acknowledging her controversial choices.

The film also addresses important social issues, such as the exploitation of women,

the power dynamics in the underworld, and the strength of female solidarity. Gangubai's

determination to protect and empower the women in her community reflects the resilience

and spirit of countless real-life women who have faced similar challenges. However, some

critics have pointed out that the film glamorizes and romanticizes the life of a sex worker,

potentially overshadowing the harsh realities of the profession. The film's portrayal of

Gangubai's character may be seen as overly sympathetic, downplaying the complexities and

moral ambiguities associated with her actions


Overall, "Gangubai Kathiawadi" is a gripping and visually captivating film that

showcases the prowess of both its director and lead actress. It delves into the life of an

extraordinary woman, leaving the audience with a mix of emotions and a deeper

understanding of a lesser-known chapter in Mumbai's history.

Attitude

Attitude is a complex construct that is made up of three components: beliefs, feelings,

and behavioural intentions. In the movie, Gangubai’s attitude towards herself and her

circumstances undergoes a significant change over the course of the film.

Initially, Gangubai is a naive young woman who is tricked into coming to Mumbai.

Aged 16, she fell in love with her father’s accountant and ran away with him to Mumbai. Her

life changed when her husband sold her for Rs. 1000 to a brothel. This forced her into

prostitution. Thus, begins her journey from Ganga to Gangubai. She is ashamed of her

situation and believes that she is worthless. However, as she begins to learn more about the

world of prostitution and the women who work in it, she begins to change her attitude. She

realizes that she is not alone and that she has the power to make a difference in the lives of

other women. She also begins to see herself as a valuable and capable person.

She manages to turn all her troubles to her advantage. The violent behaviour of a

known criminal, which ends up with her in the hospital, results in getting the protection of

mafia leader Rahim Lala, with him eventually becoming her sworn brother. Her antagonism

with Sheela ends up with her as the definite winner, taking over the brother with the help of

the local prostitutes, all of which seem to adore her. A bit later, as the story comes to the

present again, she renames herself Gangubai, and runs in the local elections against all

powerful Razia, again winning the rather harsh competition and becoming a political figure
herself. As time passes, she becomes the leader and spokesperson of all prostitutes in

Kamathipura.

She becomes more assertive and confident, refusing to be a victim and instead taking

control of her life. Gangubai's attitude allows her to survive and navigate the harsh realities of

her environment, establishing her as a powerful figure in Kamathipura.

Impact of Attitude

Gangubai's attitude has a profound impact on her life and the lives of those around

her. Her strong and fearless attitude allows her to rise above her circumstances and become a

powerful figure in her community. She uses her influence to protect and empower the women

in Kamathipura, challenging societal stereotypes and fighting for their rights. Gangubai's

attitude inspires others to question the oppressive systems they are trapped in, leading to

social change and a shift in attitudes towards marginalized communities.

By challenging the existing attitudes and norms, Gangubai becomes a symbol of

resilience, strength, and hope. Her attitude not only transforms her own life but also has a

ripple effect on the lives of others, empowering them to break free from the constraints of

society and strive for a better future.

Attitude Formation

Attitude formation refers to the process through which an individual develops and

acquires attitudes, which are evaluative judgments or opinions about people, objects, or ideas.

In the context of "Gangubai Kathiawadi," the film portrays the journey and experiences of

Gangubai, which contribute to the formation of her attitude.

Throughout the film, Gangubai's attitude undergoes various transformations. Initially,

she is shown as a young girl with dreams and aspirations, hoping for a better life. However,
her life takes a drastic turn when she is forced into the world of prostitution. This traumatic

experience shapes her attitude towards society, men, and the power dynamics within the red-

light district.

One factor that is highlighted is the role of social learning. Gangubai learns from the

other women in the red-light district how to survive and how to be successful. She also learns

from the men who frequent the red-light district how to negotiate and how to protect herself.

Her early experiences of exploitation and injustice create a negative attitude towards

those who oppress and exploit others. However, as she encounters individuals who support

and believe in her, her attitude begins to shift. Positive interactions and relationships with

people who recognize her potential and worth contribute to the formation of a more

empowered and confident attitude.

The formation of Gangubai's attitude is also influenced by her own self-reflection and

introspection. She begins to question the status quo and challenge the societal norms that

have kept her and others in Kamathipura oppressed. Gangubai's attitude formation is a result

of a combination of external influences and her own personal growth.

Overall, the attitude formation in "Gangubai Kathiawadi" is influenced by a

combination of her upbringing, societal influences, and personal experiences. Her

background, interactions with other characters, and the social environment she operates in

could shape her attitudes towards power, justice, loyalty, and survival. The movie could delve

into these factors to portray the formation of her attitudes over time.

Attitude Change

Attitude formation refers to the process through which an individual develops and

acquires attitudes, which are evaluative judgments or opinions about people, objects, or ideas.
In the context of "Gangubai Kathiawadi," the film portrays the journey and experiences of

Gangubai, which contribute to the formation of her attitude.

Throughout the movie, Gangubai undergoes a significant attitude change. Initially, her

attitude is primarily focused on her own survival and protecting herself from harm. However,

as she gains influence and power in her profession, a transformation occurs within her.

Gangubai begins to question the societal norms that perpetuate the exploitation of women in

Kamathipura. She develops a sense of empathy and compassion for those she encounters,

particularly the women who are victims of abuse and marginalization. This attitude change is

driven by her own experiences and interactions with the people in her community.

Gangubai's attitude change is brought about by a number of factors. One factor is her

interactions with other women in the red-light district. These women teach her that she is not

alone and that she has the power to make a difference in her own life. The camaraderie and

solidarity among the women in Kamathipura help forge a shared attitude of resilience and

mutual support. Gangubai's alliances and alliances shape her perspective on trust, loyalty, and

the potential for collective empowerment.

Additionally, societal norms and expectations exert a powerful influence on

Gangubai's attitude formation. They faced discrimination in society because people have

formed a negative attitude against them. The film depicts the judgment and discrimination

faced by those involved in the red-light district, highlighting the prevailing attitudes of

society. This attitude can be explained through learning theories .This can be supported by a

study conducted by (Digidika and Baka,2017). These attitudes not only shape Gangubai's

own perception of herself but also fuel her determination to challenge societal norms and

fight for the rights and dignity of her community.

However, the journey towards attitude change is not without its challenges. Gangubai

experiences moments of betrayal and external pressures that cast shadows over her positive
transformations. These instances test her trust in others and erode her belief in fairness. As a

result, her attitude becomes more guarded and defensive, reflecting the scars left by these

painful experiences.

Role of power as persuasion

In the movie "Gangubai Kathiawadi," the character of Gangubai possesses a

remarkable persuasive power. Throughout the film, she demonstrates her ability to influence

others and make compelling arguments. One notable instance is when she persuades Lala, a

powerful figure, to involve her in their business, showcasing her persuasive skills and

determination.

In one scene Gangubai Kathiawadi influence Afsaan’s family to marry the daughter of

a prostitute. In the movie Gangubai persuaded Rahim Lala and changed his attitude towards

herself to get the business of alcohol. Gangubai changed the attitude of other people towards

prostitution by giving speech in Azad Maidan.

Furthermore, Gangubai's charismatic nature and leadership qualities are evident in her

interactions with other sex workers. She encourages them to send their children to study,

highlighting the importance of education and a better future. This act of persuasion

demonstrates her ability to inspire and motivate others towards positive change.

Another character, Razia Bai, is portrayed as a confident and proud transsexual

individual. Despite societal prejudices, she fearlessly expresses herself and is unapologetic

about her identity. This confidence is showcased through her successful political career, as

she wins elections repeatedly in Kamathipura. Razia Bai's ability to persuade voters in the

district is a testament to the persuasive power that stems from authenticity and self-assurance.
Attribution

Gangubai’s proposal of the marriage of daughter of one of her prostitutes with her

lover, Afsaan Badr Raza left him shocked and devastated. Later on, he associated her

behaviour with her wanting to win the elections through this move as nobody in Kamathipura

got married before Gangubai made it happen. She brough hope in lives of sex workers that

their children can get married as well.

Over time, Afsaan realised that winning the elections was important to gain respect

and rights for the workers of brothels.

Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological concept that refers to the discomfort or

tension experienced when an individual holds conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values.

In this movie, cognitive dissonance could be depicted through the internal struggles

experienced by characters when their beliefs or actions contradict each other.

The internal conflict becomes a source of psychological discomfort for Gangubai

Kathiawadi, as she must confront the contradictions between her actions and her core values.

To reduce this dissonance, she may engage in various cognitive strategies. For example, she

might rationalize or justify her actions by convincing herself that she is doing what is

necessary for survival or protecting her loved ones. She may also attempt to find ways to

align her behavior with her beliefs, seeking opportunities to mitigate the conflicts she

experiences. This can be strengthen by the study of Sidhu, A.K., Pednekar, M.S., Fong, G.T,

(2022).

For example, Gangubai herself was fighting for the rights of sex workers where she

wants prostitutes to be seen and accepted as normal citizens but she herself refused to marry
Afsan because she says she was a prostitute. Although her main reason was, she wants to

work for the upliftment of prostitutes. However, this is an instance of cognitive dissonance.

Gangubai's cognitive dissonance is further intensified by the emotional and

psychological struggle she experiences. She witnesses the suffering of the women working in

the red-light district, which creates a conflict between her empathy and the harsh reality of

her profession. This dissonance between her emotions and the reality she faces adds depth to

her character and highlights the internal conflict she undergoes.

The movie presents numerous moral dilemmas that contribute to cognitive dissonance

among the characters. For instance, Gangubai, as the madam of a brothel, is torn between the

exploitation and abuse faced by the women in her community and her own position of power.

She grapples with the dissonance of trying to protect and empower the women while

simultaneously being a part of an exploitative system.

In the movie it has been shown that the men who are sleeping with these prostitute are

also the one who are degrading and insulting them for the work they do and the pinning point

is they themself are involved in the work also or because of them only the work is going on.

This can be supported by ( F Tomas , L Fanton et al.) Similarly, society is also pinning the

prostitutes only even though the men of their so called society are also involved.

Conclusion

Gangubai’s resilience, intelligence, and determination to rise above her situation. She

becomes the most influential and respected woman in the area, known for her strong

personality and business acumen.

The movie showcases Gangubai's journey as she establishes her own brothel,

overcomes various obstacles, and gains the trust and loyalty of the people around her. She
becomes a protector and mother figure to the sex workers, fighting for their rights and

ensuring their safety.

The movie concludes with Gangubai's legacy enduring long after her passing. She

becomes a symbol of strength, empowerment, and the indomitable spirit of women in

Mumbai's underworld. Her story continues to inspire generations, reminding them of the

power of resilience and the ability to challenge societal norms

Overall, "Gangubai Kathiawadi" is a compelling film that explores the life of a

remarkable woman who defied all odds and became a force to be reckoned with in a male-

dominated world. It showcases the triumphs and tribulations of Gangubai Kothewali, leaving

audiences with a powerful message of empowerment and the ability to rise above adversity.

References

Baumeister, & Bushman. (2014). Bundle: Cengage Advantage Books: Social Psychology and
Human Nature, Comprehensive Edition + CourseMate Printed Access Card for

Baumeister/Bushman’s Social Psychology and Human Nature, Comprehensive

Edition, 3rd Edition.

Chen, S., Xiao, L., & Mao, J. (2021, September). Persuasion strategies of misinformation-

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