Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

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

Sanjay Leela Bhansali to present Gangubai Kathiawadi to the world at 72nd Berlin International Film Festival
Mohnish Singh
By Mohnish SinghDec 16, 2021
Mohnish Singh
See Full Bio

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."

Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Dr. Jayantilal Gada, Gangubai Kathiawadi is all set to release theatrically on 18th February, 2022.

gangubai kathiawadialia bhattsanjay leela bhansali72nd berlin international film festivalajay devgn

Related News

AI-tools-images-iStock
News

UK to ban AI tools used to create child abuse images

Nirmala-Sitharaman-Reuters
Business

Key points from India's 2025 budget

harshit-rana-getty
Cricket

India seal T20 series win over England amid substitution controversy

protest-uk-getty
Featured

Supporters and opponents of Tommy Robinson hold protests in London

More For You

George Singh: Celebrating 30 years of Chutney Soca and its global rise

George Singh

George Singh: Celebrating 30 years of Chutney Soca and its global rise

ASJAD NAZIR

CHUTNEY soca music is a beautiful blend of African, Caribbean, and Indian beats. It has helped define the south Asian diaspora across the Caribbean and is loved by millions around the world.

The brightest shining light of this popular music genre has been the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, which has taken place annually in Trinidad & Tobago for three decades.

Keep ReadingShow less
James Bond reboot plans lighter, campier tone to attract younger fans

James Bond franchise to embrace humor and playfulness in its upcoming reboot, appealing to a new generation of fans

Instagram/jamesbondpostercollection

James Bond reboot plans lighter, campier tone to attract younger fans

The James Bond franchise is gearing up for a major shift as it prepares to reboot after Daniel Craig’s gritty, emotionally charged era. According to a report by The Times, the next version of 007 will ditch the brooding intensity of the recent films and return to the lighter, more playful tone of the Sean Connery and Roger Moore days. The goal? To appeal to a younger, meme-savvy audience.

The report suggests that the new Bond will embrace “quips and camp,” moving away from the “Shakespearean heft” of Craig’s portrayal. The idea behind this shift is to make the franchise more accessible and marketable to younger viewers, with a focus on humour, over-the-top villains, and shareable moments tailor-made for social media. While this might alarm fans who appreciated Craig’s grounded take, it’s a deliberate move to future-proof the series and keep it relevant in a rapidly changing and dynamic entertainment landscape.

The reboot comes amid ongoing challenges behind the scenes. Amazon, which acquired MGM in 2021, is reportedly working closely with Eon Productions to map out the franchise’s future. However, tensions have arisen over creative direction, particularly around potential spin-offs like a Moneypenny series or a young Bond prequel. For now, the focus remains on the mainline films, with casting for the new Bond still up in the air.

This isn’t the first time Bond has undergone a transformation. The franchise has always adapted to the times, from the suave charm of Connery to the gritty realism of Craig. The shift to a campier tone mirrors the success of films like Kingsman, which proved that audiences still enjoy spy stories with a sense of fun.

While some fans may be wary of the change, the move could breathe new life into the 60-year-old franchise. If done right, the next Bond could strike a balance between humour and heart, appealing to both longtime fans and a new generation. One thing’s for sure: 007’s next mission will be unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Keep ReadingShow less
King Charles to appear in Amazon documentary on environmental causes

King Charles to share his environmental vision in an upcoming Amazon documentary

Getty Images

King Charles to appear in Amazon documentary on environmental causes

King Charles is set to appear in a new documentary produced by Amazon Prime Video, focusing on his lifelong dedication to environmental causes and sustainable living. Filming has already begun at Dumfries House in Scotland, a location closely tied to his charity work. The documentary will explore the themes of his 2010 book, Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World, which advocates for a deeper connection between humanity and nature.

The project marks a shift for the Royal Family, which has traditionally partnered with British broadcasters like the BBC and ITV for major productions. However, Charles’s decision to collaborate with Amazon reflects a modern approach to reaching global audiences. This move follows in the footsteps of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have a multi-million-dollar deal with Netflix, Amazon’s rival streaming platform.

Keep ReadingShow less
LA FireAid concert brings music legends together for wildfire relief

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day joins Steve Ballmer and others at the FireAid Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief at the Intuit Dome

Getty Images

LA FireAid concert brings music legends together for wildfire relief

Los Angeles united in a soul-stirring evening of music and solidarity at the FireAid benefit concert, pouring their hearts into raising funds for California wildfire relief. Held at the iconic Kia Forum and the breathtaking Intuit Dome, the event showcased an unforgettable all-star lineup that transcended genres, showing us that even in the darkest of times, music has the power to heal, inspire, and bring us together as one.

Green Day opened the night with "Last Night on Earth," surprising fans by inviting Billie Eilish to join them for a duet. Later, Eilish and her brother Finneas returned for a stripped-down acoustic set, performing tracks from her latest album. "L.A. is my only home, and I've got you," she told the crowd.

One of the most talked-about moments was the long-awaited Nirvana reunion. Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, and Krist Novoselic performed together for the first time in years, joined by a rotating lineup of guest vocalists, including St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett, and Grohl's daughter, Violet.

Katy Perry, wrapped in the California state flag, had the crowd singing along to "California Gurls," while Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, and Pink delivered high-energy sets. No Doubt's reunion was another highlight, with Gwen Stefani leading the band through hits like "Just a Girl" and "Don't Speak."

Dr. Dre made an unexpected appearance with Anderson. Paak, energising the audience with "California Love." Rock and pop legends, including Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Joni Mitchell also rocked the stage.

The lineup stretched across genres, featuring performances from Alanis Morissette, John Mayer, Jelly Roll, Dawes, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, The Black Crowes, John Fogerty, Peso Pluma, Gracie Abrams, Lil Baby, and Tate McRae.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comedian Shalaka Kurup joins The Ladies of Laughter

Shalaka Kurup

Comedian Shalaka Kurup joins The Ladies of Laughter

Eastern Eye

INDIAN stand-up comedian Shalaka Kurup has made a significant impact on the UK scene, earning multiple awards along the way.

Her unique brand of observational humour has connected with audiences from diverse backgrounds, establishing her as a rising star who is set to shine even brighter in the years ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc