Entertainment

Sanjay Leela Bhansali to present Gangubai Kathiawadi to the world at 72nd Berlin International Film Festival

Gangubai Kathiawadi Poster (Photo credit: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions/Twitter)

By: Mohnish Singh

Celebrated Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next directorial Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt in the titular role, has been selected to be screened at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival in February and will have its world premiere at the festival.

Gangubai Kathiawadi, also featuring superstar Ajay Devgn in an important role, has been chosen to be screened as part of Berlinale Special, a segment of the film festival which is dedicated to showcasing exemplary cinema. This year’s selections are films that have been shot during the pandemic.

As Sanjay Leela Bhansali celebrates 25 years in the world of cinema, his 10th film Gangubai Kathiawadi indeed has been special for him.

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

Producer Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios shares his thoughts on the film’s selection. He says, “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.”

Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian of Berlin International Film Festival says, “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.”