Gujarati cinema has achieved a landmark moment as 'Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate' made its market premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The devotional drama, directed by Ankit Sakhiya, was showcased at the Cannes Market Screening, one of the world's biggest platforms for film promotion, international collaborations, and global distribution. This achievement marks a proud moment not only for the team behind the film but also for Gujarati cinema as it continues to gain recognition on the global stage.
Film's Journey to Cannes
Sharing more about the film's premiere at Cannes, Ankit Sakhiya opened up in an interview with ETimes. 'It feels incredibly special that our Gujarati film was screened at the Cannes Market and watched by people from different countries. Seeing audiences, including Chinese and French viewers, connect emotionally with the film despite not understanding the language was truly overwhelming. They became emotional after watching it and interacted with us warmly. Moments like these make me feel proud that people across the world are appreciating our culture and Gujarati language. I feel grateful and honoured to represent Gujarati cinema on such a prestigious global platform.'
Director's Personal Connection
When asked how Gujarati language and culture shaped his journey to Cannes, Ankit shared a personal anecdote. 'I remember when I was a kid, there was always pressure to learn English. I studied in a Gujarati-medium school while my brothers were in English medium, and I often felt that if I didn't learn English, I wouldn't be able to achieve anything in life. Back then, I didn't understand the value of our language and culture. But today, I truly believe that Gujarati language and culture have brought me here to Cannes. We didn't bring the culture here; it already existed, and because of that, we are here today. Gujarati language and culture mean everything to me, and I credit them for my journey.'
About the Film
'Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate' stars Reeva Rachh, Shruhad Goswami, Karan Joshi, Mishty Kadecha, and Anshu Joshi in important roles. The film is written and directed by Ankit Sakhiya. The story is simple, emotional, and easy to connect with, which is why people of all ages enjoyed it during its initial release. With its Hindi release today, the makers are hoping the magic repeats once again on a bigger stage. The film's universal themes and heartfelt narrative have already resonated with international audiences at Cannes, and the team is optimistic about its reception in Hindi-speaking markets.
