The landscape of Gujarati cinema has witnessed a historic milestone this year. The devotional drama film 'Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate' has officially stormed past the coveted Rs 100 crore mark at the domestic box office, heralding a new era of success for the regional film industry. This phenomenal achievement was publicly celebrated by actor Karan Joshi on Instagram, who hailed it as a massive collective victory.
From Rural Roots to Silver Screen Dreams
Behind this blockbuster success lies an extraordinary tale of perseverance. The film's director, Ankit Sakhiya, embarked on his cinematic journey from the humblest of beginnings. Hailing from Meta Khambhaliya, a modest village near Gondal, even watching a movie in his childhood was a significant undertaking, requiring a 30–35 km trip to Gondal. Despite early mockery from those around him for his filmmaking ambitions, his passion only grew stronger.
His creative spirit found expression in unexpected ways. During school vacations in Surat, Ankit played the 'ghughra' in a gaushala band to entertain people, an act often looked down upon given his family's respected background. Yet, these experiences quietly nourished his artistic drive.
The Unwavering Path to Filmmaking
Ankit's educational path was a blend of tradition and technical training. He studied in a Gurukul, learned video editing by the 8th standard, and actively participated in stage plays. Although he later earned a diploma and a degree in Civil Engineering, his heart remained steadfastly with cinema. In a defining moment, he once told his professor unequivocally that he would not build buildings, because he was born to build stories and make films.
His practical filmmaking initiation took place in Vidyanagar, where he and his friends started creating short films using nothing more than their mobile phones, laying the foundational stones for his future.
Overcoming Doubt to Create History
The road to 'Laalo' was paved with rejection. When producers refused to fund his initial high-budget scripts, doubting the capability of a 25-26-year-old director to helm grand projects, Ankit Sakhiya chose a path of resilience. He pivoted his strategy, setting out to create a powerful, meaningful, and high-quality film on a modest budget. This determined effort culminated in the creation of 'Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate'.
The film's unprecedented box office performance, now soaring past Rs 100 crore, is not just a commercial triumph but a validation of Ankit's vision and grit. It stands as a testament to the fact that compelling storytelling, rooted in cultural ethos, can resonate massively with audiences and rewrite the history of Gujarati cinema.
