Do you remember the delightful emotions of ‘3 Idiots’ and the overwhelming scale of ‘RRR’? There are many films on Netflix that will once again prove, or rather surpass, the expectations of a ‘trustworthy Indian movie’.
Among them, this movie, based on a shocking true story, will grip your heart tightly for 2 hours and 34 minutes. It’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi: The Mafia Queen’.
My boyfriend sold me for just 180,000 won
A 16-year-old girl named ‘Ganga’, dreaming of becoming an actress. She is led to the big city, Mumbai, by her boyfriend, who promises a rosy future.
However, what awaited her was not an audition hall, but a dark and damp red-light district. The man she believed loved her sold her for just 1,000 rupees (approximately 180,000 won).
A despairing abyss where everything collapses. Her name is forcibly changed to ‘Gangu’ and she is forced to live an unwanted life.
In an ordinary story, it would have ended there. But this film begins the real story at that very point.
Instead of crying and despairing, Gangu decides to confront this hellish reality head-on. Now that things have come to this, she decides to become the ‘queen’ of the place.
Unique character, a showcase of ‘crazy’ acting ability
The biggest charm of the movie is undoubtedly the character ‘Gangubai’ itself.
The bravery to take a man trying to harm her to a local mafia boss and confidently seek protection, the charisma to fight against great power for women in the same situation as her. Each step she takes pulls the screen by its collar.
This one-of-a-kind character is perfected through the incredible acting of actress Alia Bhatt. She portrays the process of an innocent girl transforming into a powerful figure in the Mumbai backstreets with chilling acting prowess.
Especially the scenes where she stands before the public wearing a white sari and gives a speech exude an overwhelming aura. It’s clear why some prominent international media praised it as “Alia Bhatt’s show.”
Once you start, you can’t stop, weekend quick watch guaranteed
‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, true to director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s reputation as a ‘mise-en-scène artisan’, visually also astonishing.
Each scene is so extravagant and intense that you could believe they’re art photographs. The stark contrast between the dark red-light district and the radiant Gangu within it provides a visual thrill.
Despite the lengthy 2-hour and 34-minute runtime, the intense narrative, passionate acting, and sensory direction leave no room for boredom.
Following the shocking introduction to the journey of one woman crafting her own fate, you’ll find the end credits rolling before you know it.
A truly astonishing account of a woman’s great struggle, even more remarkable knowing it’s based on a true story. If you’re looking for definite fun and a new discovery this weekend, don’t hesitate; Netflix’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ will be a choice with no regrets.
