Netflix’s incorporation of some brilliant South Asian films and shows is definitely commendable. Never Have I Ever being one of the recent hits, it is undeniable that the South Asian culture is having its influence on this streaming platform. Interestingly, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi takes a different approach to illustrating South Asian society.
The film is based on a chapter from S. Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai and as the title suggests, the film is about one badass mafia queen and is based on a true story. Gangubai Kothewali, formerly known as Gangubai Kathiawadi, has a story like no other. From being sold to prostitution to becoming the madam of a brothel and the president of Kamanthipura. She is one rare figure who fought for women’s rights and the rights of sex workers. Even though it is unfortunate that history books will not include her, films such as this particular one definitely bring light to her. Nonetheless, the movie is not only about Gangubai Kathiawadi. Rather, it unpacks the brutal realities of certain South Asian countries like India.
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The Discrimination Faced by Sex Workers
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One major theme that the film highlights is the ostracization of sex workers by other members of society. The film begins by illustrating the unethical side of this field, given that the character of Madhu was unwillingly brought into it. However, as the story progresses, the audience is made aware that this field is no different to any other business, but still the sex workers face so much discrimination from society. During a particular incident where the girls of Sheela’s brothel try to take a day off and visit the theatre, we see a man approaching Gangubai, played brilliantly by Alia Bhatt, and catcalling her. This infuriates our protagonist and she defends herself. This shows how sex workers are constantly objectified and labeled as mere properties.
At the beginning of the story, during the conversation between Gangubai and Madhu, Gangubai mentions a girl who tried to go back to her parents after being sold for prostitution. However, she was hanged as a form of honor killing. Unfortunately, this is a common story many girls face in India. Moreover, the nearby school’s attempt to shut down Kamanthipura due to the “immoral” nature of sex work in itself illustrates the way in which these women are cast aside from society. Their possible-homelessness doesn’t seem to be a matter for people like the school authorities.
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…and their children
It is definitely sad to see that the children of these sex workers face the same discrimination as the sex workers themselves. There are two particular incidents in the film that address this. One is the way in which the young children were hit by the teacher and thrown out of the school. Another is the way in which Roshni is refused at first by Afsaan’s family as she is the child of a prostitute. The portrayal of these scenarios makes the audience question one’s own stance on sex work and sheds light on why it is important to regard this field as yet another form of business where people work to gain an income.
Selling Young Girls to Prostitution
However, the film also portrays the very dark side of this field. The illegal nature of prostitution makes it easy for anything and everything to happen, in turn, making young girls and women vulnerable to predators. The characters of Madhu and Gangubai share the same story. They were both tricked by men, and were sold off to brothels for money when they were merely sixteen years of age. Following this, they were both brutally abused by the madams as well as the men who visited the brothels.
This is an ongoing issue in India and many other South Asian countries. Thus, the way in which the film captures this makes it a reflective analysis of society.
Abuse of Women
The film shows how one particular encounter overturns Gangubai’s whole life. As Gangubai becomes one high-demanding sex worker, a man visits her and pays double the usual sum. However, he brutally violates her to the extent that she has to be hospitalized. This disturbing incident reflects on the power that men take upon themselves, in turn, assuming that they have authority over women. The film’s portrayal of abuse faced by women might be hard to watch, but it definitely shows the many stories of women who face such violations.
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The Male Martyr
While Gangubai becomes a strong political figure who stands tall and fights for the rights of women and orphans, it is unfortunate that the only reason why she was able to take such an upper hand was due to the help she receives from Don Rahim Lala, played by Ajay Devgn. Following the brutal encounter with that inhumane man, Gangubai seeks Ajay to bring justice to her. He takes her under his wing, as he calls her his sister. This bond between the two helps Gangubai succeed in becoming one influential figure.
The film, intentionally or unintentionally, reflects on how women need men to gain the power they need. Gangubai’s story plays a prominent role in the history of women’s rights and the rights of sex workers. This particular film is a definite must-watch.
