"We take pride and honour in showcasing our film"
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film Gangubai Kathiawadi has been selected to be screened at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival, which will be held between February 10-20, 2022.
The screening will also mark the film’s world premiere.
Gangubai Kathiawadi has been chosen to be screened as part of Berlinale Special, a segment of the film festival which is dedicated to showcasing exemplary cinema.
The selections are films that have been shot during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Gangubai Kathiawadi stars Alia Bhatt, Shantanu Maheshwari and Vijay Raaz.
The film is loosely based on a true story from S Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai.
It is about the life of Gangubai Kothewali (Alia Bhatt), a young girl sold into prostitution by her suitor Ramnik Lal (Shantanu Maheshwari), and how she becomes the madam of a brothel in Kamathipura.
As Sanjay Leela Bhansali celebrates 25 years in cinema, his 10th directorial Gangubai Kathiawadi has been special for him.
He says: “The story of Gangubai Kathiawadi has been very close to my heart and my team and I have given it all to make this dream possible.
“We take pride and honour in showcasing our film at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival.”
Producer Jayantilal Gada, of Pen Studios, shared his thoughts on the film’s selection.
He said: “I believe in Mr Bhansali and his craft.
“It gives me great joy that our film will be presented at the Berlin International Film Festival and I am proud to associate with Mr Bhansali.
“Alia has given a great performance and I am thankful to Ajay Devgn too for being a part of this project.
“It’s a story that will engage and appeal to global audiences.”
Carlo Chatrian, Berlin Artistic Director, 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.”
The film was set to release on July 30, 2021, but it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It will now release theatrically on February 18, 2022.
Watch the Teaser for Gangubai Kathiawadi
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