Women in pink saris being the crap out of harassing idiots? Count me in! Gulaab Gang is the semi-true story of the Gulabi Gang.
The Gulabi Gang was founded by Sampat Pal Devi in 2006 as a way to deal with spousal abuse, rape, and force marriages/child brides. The organization has since expanded its social justice role to taking on corrupt government officials and police. They wear pink saris and are often armed with lathis (a bamboo stick), though most of their action is support for victims, demonstrations, and public humiliation.
“Nobody comes to our help in these parts. The officials and the police are corrupt and anti-poor. So sometimes we have to take the law in our hands. At other times, we prefer to shame the wrongdoers,” says Sampat Pal Devi, between teaching a “gang” member on how to use a lathi (traditional Indian stick) in self defence.
Gulaab Gang is not based on Sampat Pal Devi’s life, but goes its own way with an original tale inspired by the Gulabi Gang. Gulaab Gang stars Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, two actresses who were big in the 80s and 90s but have not been getting as many roles lately, nor have they ever acted together before. And neither will be playing characters similar to what made them famous. Madhuri Dixit is more physical as the heroine in the story, even doing her own fighting stunts. Juhi Chawla becomes a force of pure evil, and part of the fun will be seeing these icons in completely different roles.
This is Soumik Sen’s first directorial job, he has been writing films since the mid-00s.
It’s time to witness the power of pink! This Women’s Day, two icons of Indian cinema come together on the big screen to create a revolution… are you joining Gulaab Gang?
Here’s presenting the trailer of Gulaab Gang, presented by Bharat Shah, produced by Anubhav Sinha and directed by Soumik Sen, starring Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla in never-seen-before avatars. Releasing 7th Mar 2014.
More info on the real Gulabi Gang –
Official Gulabi Gang website
Story at AsiaSociety
There was a 2010 documentary film
and also a 2012 documentary
