Gangubai Kathiawadi teaser: A ruthless Alia Bhatt holds sway over Kamathipura

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's trademark aesthetic, a transformed Alia Bhatt and dramatic background music in the first teaser of Gangubai Kathiawadi command viewers' attention.

Based on the life of Gangubai Kothewali, a renowned madam of a brothel in Mumbai's red-light district, Kamathipura, the teaser captures the rise of a woman in the most unlikely of circumstances. 

Set in the late 1960s, the teaser begins with the voiceover that informs us that nights in Kamathipura is always moonlit because Gangu lives there, setting up the grand entry of Bhatt's character. This might be the most left-field role for the young actress as she plays a rough, no-nonsense prostitute-turned-madam who went on to become a feared mafia queen. Bhatt displays the body language of a woman who does not fear anyone or their judgment. The teaser is a quick snapshot of Gangu who emerged from the bylanes of the infamous neighbourhood on to the political stage. 

Despite the grimy nature of S Hussain Zaidi's narrative, Bhansali has imbued the teaser with visuals that make Kamathipura look pleasant. From Bhatt's lavish dresses to the Bentley she poses with, the sense of beauty that is typical of the director shines through. 

Gangubai Kathiawadi will be produced by Jayantilal Gada's PEN Studios in association with Bhansali Productions.

The film will be released on 30 July.

Check out the teaser below and let us know if you are keen on watching the film.