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Review: ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’: Alia steals hearts as Gangubai

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Film: ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ (Running in Theatres); Duration: 157 minutes

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Cast: Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Huma Qureshi, Seema Pahwa, Vijay Raaz, Jim Sarbh, Chhaya Kadam, Mitali Jagtap, Indira Tiwari, Shantanu Maheshwari

Rating: ****

Auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest oeuvre, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is based on the chapter, ‘The Matriarch of Kamatipura’ from the book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai – Stories of Women from the Ganglands’ authored by S. Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges.

This is the compelling story of Ganga Harjivandas Kathiawadi, the daughter of a barrister from Kathiawar, who with stardust in her eyes, ran away from home to become an actress only to find herself sold in the brothel of Kamathipura, a neighbourhood of Mumbai famous for flesh-trade. This film unravels Ganga’s journey from a brothel worker to an activist fighting for the rights of the sex workers. In the film, Ganga calls herself “Ganga Jagjivandas Kathiawadi.”

While Ganga’s story is filled with pain and pathos, the narrative effortless makes the film appear like a sunshine film that motivates. “Gangubai mahaan nahin thi, woh shaitan bhi nahi thi,” and despite this, Bhansali brilliantly manages to portray her as a larger-than-life character, and you empathise with her when she puts forth her point of view regarding the women of her tribe.

The film is loaded with admirable performances from its ace star cast.

The film is an outright Alia Bhatt’s canvas where she delivers a flawless performance showcasing a gamut of emotions and her dancing skills with aplomb. She steals the show on several counts, be it while speaking to her mother over the phone, or headbutting with Raziabai (Vijay Raaz) the eunuch who is standing for the local elections, or flirting with the apprentice tailor Afshan Razak (Shantanu Maheshwari), or dancing during the Navratri celebrations where she delivers complex steps to an intense song in a seamlessly one lengthy shot.

It is impossible to take your eyes off Ajay Devgn who, in a significantly minor role as the principled mafia don Rahimlala is intense and intimidating all at the same time. Seema Pahwa, who as Sheelamaasi, the madam of the brothel, is fascinating. Similarly, Vijay Raaz as the eunuch Raziabai is enthralling, and Shantanu Maheshwari as Gangubai’s love interest Afshan Razak is charming.

Unfortunately, Huma Qureshi in a stage performance is wasted.

This engaging biopic contains all the tropes of a typical SLB film. Bhansali astutely manages to put his inimitable stamp into every frame of the film, which appears like poetry on the screen, emotionally expressive and attractive. The screenplay is water-tight and engaging, keeping you riveted to the screen for over two and a half hours. The dialogues full of wit and hard-hitting messages are fresh and worth mentioning. Sample this, when Razia challenges Gangubai before the election campaign, Gangubai tells her, “Tuje kyon tevar dikhaongi mein tuje din main tare dikhaongi.”

Mounted with brilliant production qualities the film is visually captivating with well-etched characters, resplendent sets, and period costumes. While the timelines in the film are ambiguous and blurred, it nevertheless captures the period from the mid-1950s to the 1960s, with film posters from that era, prominent among them being ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ and ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand.’

The music, as usual, is exceptional but a bit low-key compared to SBL’s previous films. Two songs cater to the Garba audience, and they are both fabulously choreographed and picturised.

Overall, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ is worth watching on the big screen.

Bollywood

Ayushmann, Sara, Wamiqa and Rakul’s ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’ to release on March 4, 2026

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Mumbai, Oct 18: Bollywood stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan, Wamiqa Gabbi and Rakul Preet Singh’s upcoming film ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’ directed by Mudassar Aziz is locked for a Holi release and will hit the big screens on March 4, 2026.

Production banner T-Series Films took to Instagram, where they made the announcement of the cast and the release date.

“Har pati ki hoti hai, apni ek aflatoon duniya…Jo unko bhale hi satati ho, magar hum sabki badha hasati hai.!Introducing the world of #PrajapatiPandey starring AyushmannKhurrana in #PatiPatniAurWohDo With #SaraAliKhan, #WamiqaGabbi aur #RakulPreetSingh joining the ride, this #MudassarAziz directorial, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Renu Ravi Chopra, and creatively produced by Juno Chopra, brings laughter, love, and chaos this Holi 4th March 2026.”

Aziz had previously directed “Pati Patni Aur Woh,” which was released in 2019. The film, a remake of the 1978 film of the same name, featured Kartik Aaryan, Bhumi Pednekar, and Ananya Panday.

It followed the story of Chintu Tyagi, who is married to Vedika. Things take an unexpected turn when finds himself infatuated with Tapasya, a young fashion designer.

The original film “Pati Patni Aur Woh”, which was released in 1978 was directed by B. R. Chopra. The film stars Sanjeev Kumar, Vidya Sinha, Ranjeeta Kaur, with cameos from Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Tina Munim and Parveen Babi.

The film is jointly produced by BhushanKumar, Renu Ravi Chopra, and creatively produced by Juno Chopra. The film is directed by Mudassar Aziz.

Ayushmann is currently awaiting the release of “Thamma”. The horror comedy film also stars Rashmika Mandanna.

“Thamma” stars Ayushmann as Alok, along with Rashmika as Tadaka, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan, and Paresh Rawal as Ram Bajaj Goyal, along with others. “Thamma” is expected to get a theatrical release on October 21, during Diwali.

Set in a fictional world, “Thamma” tells the tale of a determined historian who immerses himself in ancient manuscripts, uncovering dark secrets about local vampire myths as supernatural forces begin to stir.

The film is directed by ‘Munjya’ fame maker Aditya Sarpotdar.

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Nawazuddin Siddiqui reveals why his role in ‘Thamma’ will thrill his kids

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Mumbai, Oct 16: Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has opened up about his much-anticipated role in the upcoming film “Thamma.” He shared that it’s a role his kids are particularly excited about.

In an exclusive quote shared with media, Nawazuddin revealed that his performance is bound to delight his children, giving a glimpse into the personal connection he feels with this project. Talking about his role, the ‘Lunchbox’ actor shared, “Trust me, I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while,” he grins, clearly excited about the film. “My kids are going to be thrilled. I play a very weird character — but that weirdness is fascinating. It’s nothing like what I’ve done before, and I had an absolute blast on set.”

“It’s like being a batsman. You’re ready, but you still don’t expect that kind of delivery. Thank God I got it! I’m just happy filmmakers still see me in such unexpected avatars,” added Nawazuddin.

In the upcoming film, Siddiqui will be seen playing the role of Yakshasan. “Thamma” also stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna and Paresh Rawal in key roles. Directed by Aditya Sarpotda, the romantic comedy horror is set to hit theatres worldwide on 21st October. “Thamma” is penned by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Falara and produced by Dinesh Vijan alongside Amar Kaushik.

The film serves as the fifth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Speaking about her role, Rashmika, during the trailer launch of the movie, had shared, Hi guys, I am so sorry that I couldn’t be at the trailer launch. I am shooting for ‘Cocktail 2’ in Sicily right now, but I really really hope that you liked the Thamma trailer and the brand new Maddok horror comedy. Tadaka is such an important and strong character, and I had the honor and the privilege of playing her. I absolutely loved playing her part on screen. I can’t wait for all of you to watch Thamma in the theatre this Diwali.”

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Who Was Pankaj Dheer? All About Mahabharat Actor Who Died After Long Battle With Cancer At 68

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Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, October 15. He was best known for playing the iconic role of Karna in BR Chopra’s 1988 TV series Mahabharat.

Pankaj’s last rites will take place in Vile Parle, Mumbai, on Wednesday. Reportedly, the actor’s cancer had relapsed a few months ago, leaving him critically ill. He had also undergone major surgery related to his condition.

An official statement from CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association) was released on Wednesday, confirming the news of Dheer’s demise: “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our Trust’s erstwhile Chairman and CINTAA’s former Hon. General Secretary, Shri Pankaj Dheer ji, on 15th October 2025. The cremation will be held today at 4:30 pm, next to Pawan Hans, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.”

Born on November 9, 1956, in Punjab, Pankaj Dheer came from a family with strong ties to the film industry. He was married to Anita Dheer and had a son, actor Nikitin Dheer, who is married to actress Kratika Sengar.

Pankaj’s father, C.L. Dheer, was also a renowned film director.

Dheer’s career spanned several decades, during which he became a household name in Indian television. He starred in several television shows including Chandrakanta, Badho Bahu, Zee Horror Show, and Kanoon, as well as films such as Soldier, Andaz, Baadshah, and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge.

He also appeared in several Bollywood films, including Sadak, Soldier, and Baadsha.

Pankaj was last seen in the 2024 serial Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare, where he played the role of Giriraj Seth. He was also seen in the 2019 web series Poison.

Pankaj Dheer’s family is yet to issue an official statement.

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