Filmmakers make films but Sanjay Leela Bhansali makes a Magnum Opus. In fact, his next passion project Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt is at the verge of breaking all his previous records. If the trailer is any indication, the film where the actress can be seen kicking ass, quite literally, will give Bhatt the character of her career. Based on the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai written by S. Hussain Zaidi, the biographical crime drama revolves around the most powerful, loved and respected madams from Kamathipura during the 1960s. And with the actor-director duo, it is safe to assume that the movie is going to be explosive.

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According to the synopsis, “it is a film that celebrates the rise of a simple girl from Kathiawad who had no choice but to embrace the ways of destiny and swing it in her favour. The narrative walks through the life of young Ganga who in no time marks her own territory and becomes Gangubai – The Matriarch of Kamathipura.” Which is exactly why fans can hardly wait to watch it.

However, while other filmmakers and producers are rushing to release their films after getting the go-ahead from the Maharashtra government, Bhansali has decided to push the film to next year. Alia Bhatt even took to social media to share the new date of the theatrical release and wrote, “Bringing to you a part of my heart & soul, Gangubai Kathiawadi releasing in cinemas near you on 6th January, 2022.”

Bringing to you a part of my heart & soul, #GangubaiKathiawadi releasing in cinemas near you on 6th January, 2022 🤍🌕#SanjayLeelaBhansali @ajaydevgn @prerna982 @jayantilalgada @PenMovies @bhansali_produc pic.twitter.com/1ICNnR0WE8

— Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) September 30, 2021

And reportedly it is because the makers didn’t want to get lost in the noise. An insider told Bollywood Hungama, “Too many release dates were announced for this year within 24 hours of the announcement. Sanjay Bhansali feels it is premature to schedule Gangubai Kathiawadi in 2021. He wanted to push it for when until the pandemic situation is clearer. Also, Sanjay feels that until theatres are allowed to run to 100 percent capacity (contrary to the 50 percent occupancy allowed at the moment) audiences won’t feel confident enough to return to movie theatres. By January, theatres should be running to full capacity.”

Apart from Alia Bhatt, the crime drama also features Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Vijay Raaz and Seema Bhargava. It is produced by Bhansali and Jayantilal Gada under their respective banners Bhansali Productions and Pen Media Limited.

Meanwhile, the actress has a great line-up of films. She is obviously attached to Ayan Mukerji’s first film in his ambitious fantasy trilogy, Brahmastra and opposite beau Ranbir Kapoor, no less. The film also features Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna Akkineni and Mouni Roy in pivotal roles. She also has SS Rajamouli’s big period drama, RRR, alongside south stars NTR Jr and Ram Charan. She has a supporting role in the film which will mark her debut down South.

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