GANGUBAI KAGTHIAWADI tells the story of a woman's journey from prostitute to savior of the oppressed. The story begins in the early 1950s.

 Ganga Harjivandas (Alia Bhatt) is her Kathiawadi resident. Her father is a lawyer and she comes from a wealthy family. She tells her that Ganga wants to be an actress and her boyfriend Ramneek (Varun Kapoor) can help her get into a big Hindi film. She flees with him to Bombay. In her Bombay, he takes her to a brothel run by Sheela (Seema Phawa).

 At that moment, Ganga finds out that Ramunik has sold her to Sheela for Rs. 1,000 She protested at first, but later she relented and joined the meat trade.After she slept with her first client, something changed inside her. She renames herself Gangu. She soon becomes rebellious and goes against Sheila's wishes.One early morning, Sheila is visited by Shaukat Abbas Khan. He asks about Gangu. Sheila realizes that she doesn't seem right.

 Still, she allows Gangu to sleep with Shaukat and teach her a lesson. She also sends off her henchmen. Shaukat attacks Gangu and seriously injures her.Gangu has to be hospitalized because Shaukat hurt her. Gangu finds out that Shaukat belongs to the gang of Rahim Lala (Ajay Devgan), a famous don in Bombay and a highly respected figure in the city. Gangubai meets him and tells him the truth. Rahim teaches Shaukat a lesson publicly. 

The way Rahim Lala comes forward to help Gangubai gives her a much-needed boost. Soon Sheila dies and Gangubai takes over her business. She realizes that in order to film a ride for her 4,000 sex her workers in the red light district, she must win elections to the Kamathipura Society. However, this is not an easy task. Gangubai's opponent is none other than the very powerful Razia Bai (Vijay Raz). What happens next forms the rest of the movie.

Alia Bhatt is arguably the best performance of her career. Many had reservations about her age. However, Gambai turns out to be quite young, so Aria fits the bill perfectly. And she penetrates the character's skin like never before. Ajay Devgn's ten minute act is phenomenal. His casting is also perfect.

 I will never forget Seema Phawa. Vijay Raaz is too good at small roles. Shantanu Maheshwari is adorable and will be loved. Varun Kapoor is decent. Jim Sarbh (journalist Amin Faizi) is great.

Overall, GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI is a powerful story embellished with epic moments and Aria Bhatt's career-best performance. At the box office, he is likely to score in multiplexes and female audiences.