Renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has received high praise from Hollywood star Joseph Gordon-Levitt for his latest film, Gangubai Kathiawadi, featuring Alia Bhatt in the titular role. During his visit to India for the 14th season of the Indian Film Project (IFP), hosted by actor Rajkummar Rao, Gordon-Levitt described the film as evoking the cinematic style of Martin Scorsese, stating it felt like “a heavy, distinguished drama.”
Gordon-Levitt, known for his roles in Inception and 500 Days of Summer, expressed his fascination with Gangubai Kathiawadi, noting that it was unlike anything he had seen. “It was different than anything I’d seen, because it was this very heavy, distinguished drama that felt almost like a Scorsese movie at times,” he remarked. The actor was particularly captivated by the film’s musical sequences, calling them “genuine and well-crafted,” which contributed to his overall enchantment with the experience.
Describing the film as heartfelt, Gordon-Levitt conveyed his desire to explore more about Indian cinema, stating that his appreciation for the local culture greatly influenced his visit. He expressed a strong passion for the cinematic arts in India and revealed his eagerness to create a film within this vibrant landscape.
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For those unfamiliar, Martin Scorsese is an iconic American director known for his profound influence on cinema. His legendary films, including Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Raging Bull and The Irishman, delve into complex themes of morality and the human experience, establishing him as a master of storytelling.
About Gangubai Kathiawadi :
In Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia Bhatt portrays a young Gujarati woman whose life takes a tragic turn as she is forced into sex work. The narrative follows her transformation into a powerful matriarch of Bombay’s Kamathipura red-light district. Bhatt’s compelling performance, showcasing Gangubai at various stages of her life, has earned her multiple accolades, including the National Award for Best Actress.
This trip marks Gordon-Levitt’s first visit to India. The versatile actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, recognised for his performances in 10 Things I Hate About You, 500 Days of Summer, and Inception, has recently appeared in Killer Heat. He also has several upcoming projects, including K Troop, Wingmen, and Nobody Nothing Nowhere, promising to further showcase his talents in diverse cinematic landscapes.