Has 'Gangubai Kathiawadi's Netflix release been delayed by a month?
Alia Bhatt-led Gangubai Kathiawadi, which was released on February 25, is going from strength to strength, showing no intention to slow down at the box office. This seems to have prompted its makers to "request" Netflix to delay its OTT release. The film was to hit the platform this month-end, but reports say it will arrive there only in the last week of April.
As far as its box office collection is concerned, the film is inching toward Rs. 100cr, as per trade analyst Taran Adarsh. He added that the biographical drama "remains the first choice of moviegoers" in spite of "a strong opponent," i.e., The Batman. Gangubai Kathiawadi's earnings were Rs. 92.22cr on Monday, while The Batman grossed Rs. 21.75 crore in its first weekend in India.
Gangubai Kathiawadi is based on Hussain Zaidi's book Mafia Queens Of Mumbai and has Bhatt in the titular character. It was also screened at the 72nd Berlin Film Festival in the Berlinale Special Gala section. Ajay Devgn, Shantanu Maheshwari, Seema Pahwa, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, and Jim Sarbh feature in supporting roles. Apart from directing it, Sanjay Leela Bhansali also composed the film's music.
About casting Bhatt in the lead, Bhansali earlier said, "I kept seeing Gangubai [in her] and the whole world, everyone felt that she was not Gangubai. But I said that she was, because here was a face that exudes so much power in the eyes." Talking about her part, Bhatt had said, "Gangubai has been an exceptionally enriching experience of my life and career."
Interestingly, Gangubai Kathiawadi is Bhansali's 10th directorial venture. He will soon get busy with his next, Heeramandi, a Netflix series. Meanwhile, both Bhatt and Devgn will be next seen in SS Rajamouli's RRR, which releases on March 25. Bhatt's other upcoming films include Darlings, Brahmāstra, and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, while Devgn will be seen in Runway 34, Maidaan, and Thank God.
