The COVID wave has embroiled the release of all Bollywood films in theatres and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming Gangubai Kathiawadi seems to be no exception. Sanjay Leela Bhansali known for his magnum opus like Padmavat, Bajirao Mastani, Goliyon ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, is acclaimed for theatrical releases with magnificent backdrops which are a visual treat.
With only 1 day of shooting left lead actor Alia Bhatt of Gangubai Kathiawadi was infected by Coronavirus and shooting had to be stalled. This led to huge losses for the Director and Producer. Sanjay himself had been diagnosed with the deadly virus earlier and had recovered and resumed shooting.
Industry sources revealed that Alia Bhatt was Bhansali’s second choice after Priyanka Chopra refused the film. This also upset Deepika Padukone who wasn’t considered for this film and who had shared a close film success bond with Bhansali. The big films together were Padmavat, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela amongst others. Deepika had recommended Sanjay for her upcoming film Draupadi, but he had refused it. There are also rumors that Deepika has refused a few films with Sanjay and even an item number in Gangubai Kathiawadi. Only time will tell whether these differences are for real or just grapevine.
The teaser of the film has been much appreciated and the audience was looking forward to a theatrical release but it is learned through source that July 30th was the proposed date for the release of the film and now with the COVID wave much stronger in Maharashtra and in India, Bhansali is now considering an OTT release.
A few of the recent releases on the OTT platform have been Tandav starring Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, and others. The White Tiger starring Priyanka Chopra and Rajkumar Rao, and many others that have been released or are slated for release.
