The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) awarded Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest film Gangubai Kathiawadi the UA certificate, indicating that it is suitable for audiences of all ages. The film, which stars Alia Bhatt, is based on Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. The film tells the story of a brothel madam who rises to power, with Ajay Devgn playing a pivotal role.
The filmmaker recently traveled to Berlin with his crew for the world premiere of his film. On February 25, Gangubai Kathiawadi will be released in theatres. The CBFC awarded the producers the UA certificate after four major changes were made to the film’s original edit. According to a Bollywood Hungama report, the first change was the replacement of an abusive word with ‘Madarjaat.’ A 17-second-long dialogue and visuals were also removed, according to the report, without describing the scene.
A sequence depicting Gangubai’s interaction with former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was also changed. The visuals of the late PM “embedding a rose on Gangubai’s shoulder” were changed, and a 43-second dialogue was removed. The creators also added English and Hindi disclaimers, lengthening each slide by five seconds. According to reports, the film was certified in December of last year.
Hussain Zaidi described one of Gangubai’s meetings with Nehru in his book. “An intrepid Gangubai is said to have tossed a proposal at him,” he wrote. She told him that if he was willing to make her Mrs. Nehru, she would give up her business completely. Nehru was taken aback and chastised her for daring to speak to him in that manner. ‘Don’t get angry, Pradhan Mantri Ji,’ a calm Gangubai said, smiling. I just wanted to make a point; preaching is always easier than practicing.’ Nehru remained deafeningly silent.”
