Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn, has been selected for screening at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival. The festival will be held in February 2022 and the film will have its world premiere at the festival.
Gangubai Kathiawadi 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 Indian cinema, his 10th film Gangubai Kathiawadi indeed is special for him.“The story of Gangubai Kathiawadi has been very close to my heart and me and my team have given it all to make this dream possible. We take pride and honour in showcasing our film at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival.”
Talking about the film’s selection producer Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios 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."
Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Dr. Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios), the film is all set to release theatrically on February 18, 2022.