With Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the helm of affairs, Gangubai Kathiawadi promises to be yet another visual spectacle. Bhansali is known for his grandiose filmmaking, opulent jewellery, magnificent costumes and breathtaking sets. The soundtrack has been penned by him as well and the music ranges from soft, soothing and seductive tunes to energetic beats and well-choreographed numbers.

The protagonist Ganga (played by Alia Bhatt), the daughter of a barrister, is duped by her boyfriend and tricked into going to Mumbai. He promises to make her a movie star. She runs away with him, taking all the cash and jewellery in the house. The naïve girl is sold to a brothel in Kamathipura, the red light area of Mumbai. The going is extremely tough. Slowly, she becomes a spokeswoman for all the women there and exhibits empathy and compassion for them. They slowly warm towards her and when the owner of the brothel dies, they decide to put her in charge.

Ajay Devgan plays a small role as the don of the underworld whom Ganga befriends after one of his former employees beats the living daylights out of her. She approaches him and he becomes her saviour. The friendship stands the test of time and Ganga approaches him whenever she is in a bind. The film charts the evolution of this character from a naïve, innocent girl brought to Mumbai by her boyfriend to a strong and fiery woman, who is not afraid to marry off her lover to a teenage girl to save her from the fate which awaits her in Kamathipura. This also proves to be a wise move meant to further her political ambitions. She defeats Vijay Raaz (Raziabai) in the elections and becomes the president of Kamathipura.

She takes on politicians who seek her help with their election campaigns for Kamathipura and all the neighbouring areas where she wields tremendous influence. With the help of Jim Sarbh (a journalist), she meets the prime minister and asks him to legalise sex work. She also seeks his expertise with a legal tussle when a school near the red light area files a petition to have the area evacuated as they feel it has a negative influence on the young students.

The protagonist Ganga (played by Alia Bhatt), the daughter of a barrister, is duped by her boyfriend and tricked into going to Mumbai. He promises to make her a movie star. She runs away with him, taking all the cash and jewellery in the house. The naïve girl is sold to a brothel in Kamathipura, the red light area of Mumbai

Bhatt takes giant strides as an actor with this film and silences her critics, who thought Bhansali had made a mistake in casting her. She humanises the character and leaves an impact. She says sex work is one of the oldest professions in the world and should be given the respect it deserves like any other occupation. She is witty, charming and seductive but brave and feisty at the same time. She has a way with words and since she strongly believes in her mission, that honesty and sincerity shines through. Alia Bhatt takes to her character like a fish to water and dons it like a second skin.

She entertains, sings, dances and delivers speeches with equal ease and panache. Her words and personality leave the viewer thirsting for more. She handles a lot of extremely difficult scenes with aplomb, one being where she delivers a speech on why this profession should be given the recognition and respect it deserves. Most of the women in this occupation have been lured into it by fathers, husbands, step fathers or boyfriends and sold and traded like cattle. Why should they be ostracised and shamed for something which was not their choice in the first place? Why aren’t the men who come and sell them taken to task? Do their children not have a right to an education? These and many other extremely pertinent questions are raised by this mafia queen in her speech.

The film slowly grows on you. So does the lead character. It is not merely stylish, but also has substance and more importantly, a soul. And the soul is Alia Bhatt, who through her stupendous performance, brings the character to life. The viewers smile, laugh and cry with this lady who is far ahead of her time and from a section of society where women have no rights and are humiliated and scorned. She bravely and fearlessly handles everything that comes her way and is determined to campaign for the rights of the women associated with this profession and works tirelessly for their well-being.

Watch it and immerse yourself in this cinematic masterpiece. Watch it for Alia Bhatt and how she breathes life into this character and film. Watch it for the creative genius of Bhansali and marvel again at what a gifted storyteller he is.

The writer is an   educationist and can be reached at gaiteeara   @hotmail.com