Alia Bhatt starrer 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to be screened at Berlin International Film Festival

Alia Bhatt starrer ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been selected for Berlinale Special, a segment of the film festival, which is dedicated to showcasing exemplary cinema. 

This year’s selection is for the films that have been shot during the pandemic.

Those close to the production have revealed to the news portal that some people, both from the film industry and outside, have seen ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and the general reactions have been that Alia Bhatt is brilliant in the film. 

A close family friend of the Bhatts, who saw the film in one of the trials told, 

“Alia Bhatt is unbelievably brilliant in the film, and the film is the same, too. She is the film and the film is her. Also, the buzz about Alia being offered ‘Baiju Bawra’ is not surprising going by the possibilities of this new project.”

Bhansali’s films are known more for their spectacular nature, but this friend of the Bhatts revealed, “This is the best Bhansali film. It's human, not just a spectacle.”

Also, let us tell you Sanjay Leela Bhansali celebrates 25 years in cinema, his 10th film 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'  has been special for him.

In a press note released by the production house, SLB was quoted as saying, 

“The story of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ has been very close to my heart and my team and I have given it our all to make this dream possible. We take pride and honour in showcasing our film at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival.”

In the same press note, Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios and producer of the film shared his thoughts on the film's selection as 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.”

Director Carlo Chatrian of 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.”

For the unversed Gangubai Kathiawadi’ will release in theatres on February 18, 2022.