By integrating feminist theory and terminology, this blog provides a nuanced analysis of ‘Gangubai’ as a female-forward film that celebrates the resilience and agency of women in the face of oppression. Gangubai Kathiawadi is a biographical epic film based on the life of Gangubai Kathiawadi, a real-life figure known for her resilience and influence in the underworld of Mumbai. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film stars Alia Bhatt in the titular role, portraying the journey of Gangubai from her early struggles to her rise as a powerful figure in the city’s underworld. The film delves into Gangubai’s relationships, including her bond with Don Rahim Lala, played by Ajay Devgn, and her confrontations with political adversaries like Raziabai, portrayed by an ensemble cast. Through its compelling narrative and stunning visuals, Gangubai Kathiawadi’s empowerment story explores themes of power, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.
The cinematically enhanced landscape of Kamathipura
Gangubai’s story unfolds against the backdrop of Kamathipura, a patriarchal stronghold where women are marginalised and exploited. Kamatipura is a brothel area in Mumbai, India. It is a hub for sex trade and related activities. The name “Kamatipura” itself is derived from the Goddess Kamatipura, often worshipped by sex workers in the area.
In Kamatipura, women’s lives are complex and multifaceted. While it’s a place where many women are engaged in sex work due to economic circumstances or coercion, it’s also a community where resilience, solidarity, and agency are prevalent. Despite facing societal stigma and discrimination, the women of Kamatipura form tight-knit bonds of support and camaraderie. They navigate their lives with strength and dignity, often advocating for their rights and challenging oppressive structures.
Kamatipura serves as a microcosm reflecting broader issues related to gender, class, and power dynamics in society. Through the lens of Kamatipura, filmmakers, writers, and activists have explored themes such as exploitation, empowerment, marginalisation, and the complexities of human relationships.
The movie offers a nuanced and compelling glimpse into the lives of women navigating challenging circumstances, showcasing their resilience, agency, and humanity amidst adversity. It is not a real-life representation of a sex worker’s life. The narrative is linear and could have been more nuanced. However, it still resonates with us due to some of the elements in the film.
Resilience in adversity: Gangubai Kathiawadi’s defiance
In Kamatipura, Gangubai emerges as a symbol of resistance. It not only questions the oppressive structures within the red-light district but also broader societal norms and patriarchal expectations. Her journey embodies the feminist concept of ‘agency,’ wherein women actively assert their autonomy and reclaim control over their lives, defying the constraints imposed upon them by a male-dominated society. Through her bold actions and unwavering determination, Gangubai inspires other women in Kamatipura to assert their own agency, fostering a community of empowerment and solidarity amidst adversity.
Sisterhood and solidarity: Forging bonds in a hostile environment
In Kamathipura’s oppressive milieu, Gangubai fosters a community of sisterhood and solidarity among sex workers. There are flaws in the storyline. Her leadership role during the initial days of her becoming the leader is not really explained. Like in all Hindi films, here, the heroine assumes the role of a leader of her group, and it’s almost a collective acceptance. However, the focus is on solidarity, which is a positive step towards erasing concepts like women are their enemies. When Bollywood projects concepts like sisterhood, solidarity, and collective effort to improve their lives, we would call it a positive step towards how society looks at women.
Through collective action, the women of Kamathipura challenge systemic injustices and assert their rights.
Deconstructing gender stereotypes: The diverse femininities of Gangubai Kathiawadi
‘Gangubai’ disrupts traditional gender roles. The beautiful Alia Bhatt, in her white saree, symbolises chastity ( the part that is untouched in her) and power. There is sizzling chemistry with her romantic interest. The audience wants a love story. But she gives up her love for a cause, hurts, but does not look back. The film presents a diverse array of femininities that transcend categorisations. The film celebrates the complexity of female characters, each defying stereotypes and expectations imposed by society.
Advocacy and activism: Amplifying voices of change
Amplifying marginalised voices
Gangubai amplifies the voices of marginalised women, shedding light on their lived experiences and struggles. The usual story of an innocent girl who gets lured and enters the big and sinister world of prostitution has been told before. What stays is her strength and the fact she does not shed tears. She accepts her situation and makes the best out of it.
Advocacy for social change: Challenging systemic injustice
The film catalyses social change, advocating for the rights and dignity of sex workers. We love the scene where the group takes a day off to watch a movie. Also, we love her quiet determination when she talks to her friend about her five-year plan. Like all women professionals, she thinks about her economic growth and the right to “not work” or “take a break.” Small things, but they stay with the viewers.
Embracing feminist values: Towards equity and justice
In ‘Gangubai’, the titular character emerges as a powerful advocate for the rights of women in Kamathipura. She leverages her influence to secure essential rights for sex workers. Her speech on equating the sex trade with all other trades, the sex workers asking for a fair price from all customers and lack of discrimination in fees based on the male customer’s race, money or other attributes show a side of the trade- which is like a fair business play- like any other organised market place.
She works to demand fair treatment and recognition of their humanity. Through her charisma and strategic alliances, Gangubai establishes herself as the undisputed ruler of Kamathipura, implementing rules that prioritise the safety and well-being of its residents. For instance, she ensures that sex workers can take some time off, advocating for their right to rest and recuperate.
She also talks about the realities where politicians use sex workers as vote banks and how cops take a pound from every flesh generated out of their back-breaking hard work. She also demands the right to education for their children. When she ends the speech, there are goosebumps. She says she does not lower her eyes in shame, but she meets the eyes of everyone there. It touches a chord. How many of us actually can sit and converse with a sex worker? Dont we look the other way when we see women standing in dark allies soliciting customers?
The final thoughts
In ‘Gangubai,’ the protagonist becomes a woman who lives and lives with her dignity. She becomes the hope for the women of Kamathipura. She advocates for their rights amidst the harsh realities of the red-light district. The actual experiences of women in Kamathipura are not so linear. Nor do they get an Ajay Devgan to fight on their behalf. Yet, Gangubai highlights the systemic injustices they face, including exploitation and violence. Gangubai’s leadership extends beyond rhetoric as she implements rules that prioritise the safety and dignity of Kamathipura’s residents.
Through her actions, Gangubai embodies the transformative power of collective action and solidarity, challenging oppressive systems and advocating for the rights of marginalised communities. This glorified tale may make some of us look at sex workers differently. Through the lens of glamour and Bollywood, it erases poverty and the stark realities, but it tells a story—a strong, solid story that is relevant and needs to be retold.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
