Gujarati Cinema's Historic Moment: Director Ankit Sakhiya Meets Karan Johar
Gujarati cinema is experiencing an unprecedented golden era, marked by the phenomenal success of the spiritual drama 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate'. The film's remarkable journey has now reached another significant milestone as its debut director, Ankit Sakhiya, recently met with Bollywood powerhouse Karan Johar in Mumbai. This meeting, occurring amidst the film's record-breaking box office performance, has become a proud moment not just for Sakhiya but for the entire Gujarati film industry.
A Heartfelt Social Media Exchange
Following their meeting, Ankit Sakhiya took to social media to express his gratitude in a heartfelt post. He wrote in his caption, "Thank you, @karanjohar sir, for taking the time to meet me today. As a first-time director, this moment holds a very special place in my heart." He further elaborated on their conversation, stating, "Our discussion about Gujarati cinema, and the importance of having conviction as a filmmaker, truly meant a lot to me. Your kind appreciation for Gujarati films and our industry was deeply encouraging. Thank you once again, from the entire team of Laalo."
The warmth of this interaction was reciprocated by Karan Johar, who responded in the comments section with a simple yet powerful message: "So lovely meeting you." This exchange has been widely celebrated as a supportive bridge between two different cinematic worlds and generations of filmmakers, symbolizing growing recognition for regional cinema within the broader Indian film landscape.
The Story Behind 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate'
At its core, 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate' presents an emotionally charged narrative about a simple rickshaw driver whose life takes a terrifying and unexpected turn. The protagonist finds himself trapped inside a secluded farmhouse, forced to confront his darkest memories and deepest fears. As psychological tension mounts, he begins experiencing powerful, divine visions of Lord Krishna.
These spiritual encounters serve not merely as comfort but as catalysts for profound personal transformation. They empower him to:
- Face his past demons with courage
- Understand the roots of his emotional pain
- Embark on a journey toward healing and redemption
Record-Breaking Box Office Success
The film features compelling performances by Reeva Rachh, Shruhad Goswami, and Karan Joshi in pivotal roles. Presented by Manifest Films and produced by Ajay Padariya and Jay Vyas, 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate' was released in October 2025 and immediately made cinematic history.
It achieved the extraordinary feat of becoming the first Gujarati film ever to cross the Rs 100 crore mark at the domestic box office. This monumental success has not only set new benchmarks for regional cinema but has also demonstrated the growing appetite among audiences for diverse, content-driven storytelling rooted in Indian cultural and spiritual themes.
The meeting between Ankit Sakhiya and Karan Johar, therefore, represents more than just a personal achievement. It signifies a moment of validation and encouragement for Gujarati cinema's creative voices, highlighting how regional film industries are gaining well-deserved attention and respect on national platforms.
