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Historical drama

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) movie poster

Gangubai Kathiawadi is a 2022 historical drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, starring Alia Bhatt as Gangubai Kathiawadi, Varun Kapoor and Ajay Devgn. It runs 2 hours 37 minutes and earned $3.3 million worldwide on a $12 million budget. Its Echo Score is 85/100. Stream it on Netflix.

worldwide gross
$3.3M
Echo Score
85
budget
$12M
Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 37m (157 min)
Genres
Drama , History , Crime
Original language
Hindi
Budget
$12M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Gangubai Kathiawadi About?

The premise of Gangubai Kathiawadi without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Mafia Queen. Duped and sold to a brothel, a young woman fearlessly reclaims her power, using underworld connections to preside over the world she was once a pawn in.

Gangubai Kathiawadi Themes & Keywords

· 17 tags
  • underworld
  • based on real people
  • life
  • teenager
  • young
  • girl
  • narrative
  • mafia
  • true crime
  • brothel
  • prostitute
  • transgender
+5 more
  • transgender woman
  • woman
  • world
  • based on true story
  • character name in title
Where to watch

Where to Watch Gangubai Kathiawadi

Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Gangubai Kathiawadi Cast & Characters

Alia Bhatt leads the cast as Gangubai Kathiawadi, with Varun Kapoor as Ramnik Laal and Ajay Devgn as Rahim Lala. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali; 23 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Gangubai Kathiawadi

· 19 more
Show all 23 cast members
Ratings

Gangubai Kathiawadi Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in rewatch factor (78).

85 /100

Gangubai Kathiawadi Echo Score Breakdown

Gangubai Kathiawadi delivers a high‑energy biopic anchored by Alia Bhatt’s commanding performance and a visually opulent style that keeps audiences engaged for its two‑and‑a‑half hours. Critics applaud the kinetic camerawork, vibrant song sequences, and the film’s ability to highlight marginalized voices, while a few note its hyper‑stylized treatment and episodic pacing. The overall impression is that the film succeeds as an entertaining, emotionally resonant spectacle despite occasional excesses.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film stands out for its exuberant cinematography and meticulous production design. Reviewers highlight the dynamic camera movements, chiaroscuro lighting, and lavish set pieces that reinforce the period setting. Even the critic who found the style overly polished acknowledges the technical proficiency. Consequently, the artistic execution is regarded as a major strength.

  • Character & Emotion 92

    When it comes to character work, Alia Bhatt’s performance is repeatedly described as powerful and nuanced, carrying much of the film’s emotional weight. Critics and users alike commend her ability to embody Gangubai’s resilience and charisma, noting strong chemistry with supporting cast. No substantive criticism of acting was raised, positioning the character element as the film’s most praised aspect.

  • Story & Flow 80

    The narrative offers a compelling recounting of Gangubai’s life, praised for its inspirational message and social relevance. Critics admire the film’s capacity to blend drama with historical context, though some point to an episodic structure and over‑stylization that dilute narrative focus. Overall, the story is viewed as engaging and meaningful, albeit imperfectly paced.

  • Sensory Experience 86

    Sensory experience is a highlight, with energetic song sequences, robust choreography, and a vivid soundscape that reinforce the film’s emotional beats. Reviewers commend the bold color palette, striking visuals, and immersive soundtrack, noting they enhance the storytelling. While a few mention occasional excess, the consensus is that the audio‑visual elements are richly crafted and effective.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    Rewatch value is solid but tempered by structural concerns. Audiences celebrate the film’s entertainment factor and uplifting themes, suggesting it rewards multiple viewings for its visual flair and empowering narrative. However, criticisms of episodic pacing indicate that some viewers may find repeat engagements less compelling. The overall assessment is that the film remains appealing, though not uniformly rewatch‑magnetic.

Plot

Gangubai Kathiawadi Plot Summary

What happens in Gangubai Kathiawadi from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1944, 16-year-old Ganga Jagjivandas Kathiawadi Alia Bhatt—born into a well-off Gujarati Hindu family in Kathiawad—dreams of a Bollywood career. She runs away with her older boyfriend Ramnik Laal Varun Kapoor, who promises to groom her for stardom under his aunt Sheela. But Ramnik proves to be a groomer who sells Ganga to Sheela’s brothel, where she is forced into prostitution and given the name Gangu. In those early days, she begins to push for workers’ rights, urging the women in the brothel to observe a day off each week, laying the groundwork for a voice that would grow louder with time.

Full summary

The whole story of Gangubai Kathiawadi, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Gangubai Kathiawadi Box Office & Budget

Gangubai Kathiawadi grossed $3.3 million worldwide on a $12 million budget, 27% of what it cost. $592,000 came from the US and Canada and $2.7 million (82%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$3.3M

27% of its budget back

US & Canada
$592K
International
$2.7M
Budget
$12M
US & Canada 18% Rest of the world 82%
Videos

Gangubai Kathiawadi Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Gangubai Kathiawadi | Official Trailer| Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn |25th Feb 2022
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Gangubai Kathiawadi?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

What was Gangubai's birth name?

Details

Gangubai Kathiawadi Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “甘古拜·卡蒂娅瓦迪” and “Гангубай Катавади”.

Also known as
  • 甘古拜·卡蒂娅瓦迪
  • Гангубай Катавади
  • Gangubai Kathiawadi - La regina di Mumbai
  • A Voz do Empoderamento
  • 孟買女帝
  • หญิงแกร่งแห่งมุมไบ
  • 강구바이 가티아와디: 마피아 퀸
  • Královna mafie.

Seen Gangubai Kathiawadi?

FAQ

Gangubai Kathiawadi FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Gangubai Kathiawadi, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Gangubai Kathiawadi?

Gangubai Kathiawadi runs 2 hours 37 minutes (157 minutes).

When was Gangubai Kathiawadi released?

Gangubai Kathiawadi was released on February 16, 2022.

Who directed Gangubai Kathiawadi?

Gangubai Kathiawadi was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

More films by Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Who is in the cast of Gangubai Kathiawadi?

Gangubai Kathiawadi stars Alia Bhatt as Gangubai Kathiawadi, Varun Kapoor as Ramnik Laal and Ajay Devgn as Rahim Lala, among 23 credited actors.

Where can I watch Gangubai Kathiawadi?

In the US, Gangubai Kathiawadi is streaming on Netflix (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Gangubai Kathiawadi make at the box office?

Gangubai Kathiawadi grossed $3.3 million worldwide ($592,000 domestic, $2.7 million international) on a budget of $12 million.

Does Gangubai Kathiawadi have a post-credit scene?

No. Gangubai Kathiawadi has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Gangubai Kathiawadi in?

The original language of Gangubai Kathiawadi is Hindi.

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