Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai Kathiawadi heading for an OTT release?

With the second wave of COVID-19 once again forcing partial lockdowns across the country and consequently the shutdown of theatres, filmmakers are left with few choices other than to postpone the theatrical release of their movies. With big movies such as Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi, Ranveer Singh’s ’83 and Kangana Ranaut’s Thalaivi in the queue, several movies now might have to wait till next year for a theatrical release or take the OTT route.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, which has Alia Bhatt in the lead, could now be looking at an OTT release. The movie, which is slotted for a July 30 theatrical release, might not quite make that date due to the prevailing situation.

According to the reports, the Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela director has been offered a massive amount of money to release Gangubai Kathiawadi on a digital platform. It remains to be seen if Bhansali would opt for direct-to-OTT release like the makers of Laxmii and Durgamati last year.

Gangubai Kathiawadi is based on a portion of S Hussain Zaidi’s book, Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Alia will be portraying the protagonist alongside Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, and Seema Pahwa, who will be seen in crucial roles. Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi will be seen in cameos in the film.

The Hindi teaser of Gangubai Kathiawadi was released earlier this year on January 24. Its Telugu teaser was unveiled in theatres along with Pawan Kalyan’s film, Vakeel Saab. The actress is part of Baahubali director SS Rajamouli’s RRR and also has Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra, in which she will be teaming up with beau Ranbir Kapoor.