Gangubai Kathiawadi Teaser Drops: Alia Bhatt Looks Fierce As Mumbai's Mafia Queen

Gangubai Kathiawadi teaser, released Wednesday, shows Alia Bhatt take the lead as the notorious mafia queen and how! The 26-year-old looks fierce in the shoes of the brothel owner who ruled the galis of Bombay's Kamathipura in the 60s. Scheduled for a July 30 release, this film is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's tenth directorial venture and slated to be his biggest yet.

The story tracks the journey of Gangubai Kothewali, a sex worker who rises the ranks in Bombay's underworld to hold the title of the most influential brothel madam in the city. Gangubai's experiences with prostitution placed her as a key champion of women's rights and upliftment in that era.

Gangubai Kathiawadi draws from Hussain Zaidi's 2011 book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, in which he documented stories of women in Bombay's underworld. Besides Bhatt, the film stars Shantanu Maheshwari, Ajay Devgn, Vijay Raaz and Seema Pahwa. It has been produced by Bhansali and Jayantilal Gada.

Gangubai Kathiawadi Teaser: A Compelling Look At Mafia Women

Bhatt leads the Gangubai Kathiawadi teaser, essaying the role of the legendary sex worker with conviction. Sold into prostitution at an early age by her suitor, Ramnik Lal, Gangubai takes the reins to become a markedly notable figure in the city's crime network, all the while relentless in her pursuit for a better life and rights for women in the sex industry.

Earlier today, Bhatt took to Instagram to share a poster of the film and announce its release date ahead of its teaser. It has her sporting Gangubai's iconic red bindi as she sits with a slight smirk clad in a pastel green suit.

The film has managed to create much buzz prior to its release, with lawsuits, halted shooting schedules and Bhatt’s hospital visit. The date for the teaser release was chosen to coincide with Bhansali's 58th birthday on February 24.

Watch the Gangubai Kathiawadi teaser ">here: 

Views expressed are the author's own.