"we hope that our members will enjoy this masterpiece."
Netflix has announced that Gangubai Kathiawadi will be available on the platform from April 26, 2022.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama was released in cinemas on February 25, 2022, to critical acclaim.
It also enjoyed box office success, amassing nearly Rs. 130 Crore (£13 million) and becoming one of the top-grossing films of the year.
Gangubai Kathiawadi sees Alia Bhatt in the leading role as Ganga Harjivandas. The film tells the story of how she became Gangubai Kathiawadi, one of the most respected brothel madames during the 1960s.
Based on a chapter from S Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, Gangubai Kathiawadi was backed by Bhansali Productions and Jayantilal Gada’s Pen India Limited.
The film marked its first collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is known for Devdas, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, and Alia Bhatt.
It has its world premiere at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival.
Gangubai Kathiawadi is now set to stream on Netflix from April 26, 2022.
Dekho, dekho chaand Netflix pe aaraha hai ?#GangubaiKathiawadi arrives on April 26th ????#GangubaiKathiawadiOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/YZVQvn4q3W
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) April 20, 2022
Speaking about the film making its way onto Netflix, Sanjay said:
“Gangubai Kathiawadi is a very special film for me and we are humbled by the phenomenal response it has received globally.
“While the film has encouraged audiences to come back to the theatres, I am elated that the film will now reach even wider audience within India and around the world with Netflix.”
Monika Shergill, VP-Content, Netflix India said:
“Films are a favourite form of entertainment in India and we want to be the destination for best in class cinema that our members can watch with friends and family on Netflix.
“As we expand our film slate of original and licensed films, we are thrilled that the iconic film, Gangubai Kathiawadi will soon stream on Netflix.
“Made with tremendous love by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and packed with powerful and memorable performances by Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and many others, we hope that our members will enjoy this masterpiece.”
The film will also be available in Telugu.
In addition to Gangubai Kathiawadi streaming on Netflix, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has also partnered with Netflix for his pre-Independence set project Heeramandi, which marks his digital debut.
The upcoming series will explore stories of courtesans and the hidden cultural reality of Heera Mandi, a dazzling district, during pre-Independent India.