Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi, which stars Alia Bhatt in the titular role, will release on January 6 next year. The film is based on the life of Gangubai Kathiawadi, who was a sex worker but later emerged as an underworld don in Mumbai. As promised by the makers, the film will open in cinemas next year. Announcing the release date of the film on social media, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's production house Bhansali Productions wrote: "The wait to witness her power, strength and resilience ends. Bringing to you a stem-winding story of Gangubai Kathiawadi on January 6, 2022, in cinemas near you."
See the aforementioned Bhansali Productions' post here:
Earlier this month, Pen Studios, which is producing Gangubai Kathiawadi, dismissed rumours about the film releasing on OTT platforms. Pen Studios' chairman and MD, Dr Jayantilal Gada, said in an official statement: "We would like to clarify that Gangubai Kathiawadi, RRR and Attack will release in cinemas. There have been several rumours doing rounds about these films releasing on OTT platforms before cinemas which are untrue. These magnum opus films are made for the big screen experience and would be releasing in theatres."
In an Instagram post earlier this year, Alia Bhatt summed up her experience of working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. "Being directed by Sir has been a dream all my life, but I don't think anything would have prepared me for the journey I was on for these two years... I walk out of this set a diff person today! I love you sir! Thank you for being you... There is truly no one like you," a part of her caption read. Read her full post here:
Gangubai Kathiawadi also features Ajay Devgn. He plays the role of a mobster, who eventually falls in love with Gangubai while teaching her the tricks of the trade. The duo will also be seen together in SS Rajamouli's RRR, which will be distributed by Pen Studios.