Noted filmmaker Krishnadev Yagnik, director of Vash and its sequel Vash Level 2, spoke about how his Gujarati horror-thriller found nationwide recognition only after its Hindi remake, Shaitaan, became a hit.
In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Krishnadev told us that Gujarati cinema has been steadily finding its place in the larger Indian film landscape.
In 2023, Vash won the National Award for Best Gujarati Film, and its Hindi remake, Shaitaan, brought it mainstream recognition across India.
KD, as he is fondly called, spoke about sequels, the rise of Gujarati cinema, industry challenges, and his hopes for the future.
We asked him if Vash got recognition after Shaitaan was released or if it was the other way around.
Pat came the reply: "No, no, no. Actually, it was because of Shaitaan that Vash got a lot of recognition. When Vash was released, the film was running very slowly in the first week. It didn’t go straight up like Vash 2 is doing right now. So, in the second, third, and fourth weeks, the movie caught up. After that, when Shaitaan went viral, everyone came to know that it was a remake. So, I would like to give the credit to Shaitaan for getting Vash its much-needed recognition. And Vash’s sequel was also made because of Shaitaan."
Shaitaan had Ajay Devgbn, R Madhavan, Jyotika in the lead roles and it was a sleeper hit upon its release. The movie was directed by Vikas Bahl.
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From the journey of making a sequel to the growing space for Gujarati films on OTT and in theaters, Krishnadev said the landscape of regional cinema is evolving.
Gujarati cinema has steadily gained traction in recent years and Krishnadev is quick to point out that other Gujarati movies had already paved the way before him.
“Yes, of course. And even before Vash, there was a film called Hela Rukar. It got the National Award. There was a film called Rewa. It also got the National Award. Actually, there are people ahead of me who have achieved all this in Gujarati cinema.” KD says this recognition is not an individual milestone but a continuation of a legacy.
When asked whether a sequel was always a part of the plan, he was candid about the uncertainty in the early days.
“No, while making the first part of Vash, it was not decided that we would make a second part ever. So, Shaitaan was made in Hindi, and I gave its remake rights. After that, the audience’s reaction came and it was promising. After that, we thought that we could also make a part 2 of Vash. If the audience appreciates it, then if we take the same franchise forward, we will get a good response. So, we decided to make a sequel much later," he told us.
Kd says he wants to give the entire credit to the Hindi film Shaitaan: "So, I would like to give the credit to Shaitaan for getting Vash its much-needed recognition. And Vash’s sequel was also made because of Shaitaan.”
Since Gujarati movies majorly tackle social themes and other relevant topics, we asked if he was sure that a movie with a supernatural theme would work. He said, “I am confident about all my films. That they all will do well. So, when I write a script, I get excited about it. That it is written well and it will be fun. I have written it and I enjoyed it. But the audience has to pass the film. My judgment is only proven correct when the audience likes my work.”
That confidence translated into the release of Vash Level 2, which, according to Krishnadev Yagnik, had a stronger start than the original.
“The response of Vash Level 2 was better than Day 1. Because when the trailer was released, the response of the people was viral. And in the same evening, the National Award was announced for Vash, the first part. So, the media started spreading the word. So, the film got recognition. And when the film was released, people started liking it. People started appreciating it. The number of shows is increasing. Not just in Gujarat. The number of shows is increasing. And people are enjoying the film,” he said.
On the question of whether regional films get limited screen space compared to big-ticket Bollywood releases, he pushed back on the idea. “No theater wants to go in loss. If it is a star’s film, I will take or screen it in theaters. Or if this is a production house’s film, I will make it. Your film is so popular, people want to watch it. And your film has so many audiences. Even if it’s a huge star-cast film. Even if it’s not a star-cast film. And your film is good. Even if it’s a bad film. But it has an audience. They want to watch your film. It’s a simple rule. No matter what language it is. If the audience is able to pull up in the theater, then they will watch your film.”
He agreed with us that there is a slow but visible change in audience perception in Gujarat itself. And that the audience now looks forward to the Gujarati movie releases.
“Yes. In Gujarat, there was no recognition for a Gujarati movie. There was no recognition. I don’t prefer Bollywood to watch. People consider Gujarati films. So we will go to watch Gujarati films. There is a change in Gujarat," said KD.
On the role of streaming platforms, Yagnik noted both the opportunity and the limitations.
“Yes. But that too at your box office. I can’t say that you don’t have a star cast. You will get a pre-deal. Which is easy with a big star cast. You will have to prove it at every step. The more your film will run, you will get a good OTT deal. If your film doesn’t run, you may not even get a deal. This is a risk. But if I talk about the budget, I can count Gujarati films as 5–10% of Hindi films.”
Asked about the possibility of studio investment, he said, “Yes, if studios come. It will be a different story. But when will studios come? When they will see results. If a Gujarati film runs, it will have OTT rights or satellite rights. Then studios will invest. Until then, studios won’t invest. Whether it’s a regional or a Hindi film.”
Recently, Dharma Productions had produced their first Punjabi movie, Akaal, earlier this year.
As conversations often veer towards comparisons with South Indian cinema, Krishnadev widened the scope, arguing that language is not a barrier for audiences.
“Not just South Indian movies. If you watch a Korean film, you will enjoy that too. There is no language barrier. If it’s Money Heist, everyone must have seen it. There is no language barrier. If I am attracted to a film, I will watch it. I won’t watch it with a language barrier. If it’s a language film, it will be a super hit. It can only happen with a hero. If I am a fan of Allu Arjun, I will watch it. Whether it’s good or bad. It can only happen with a hero. It can’t happen with an industry or a language.”
On AI in filmmaking, he admitted his lack of familiarity.
“I am not that much of a tech freak to know about AI. I write scripts in a very desi way. So, I have no idea what AI can do and what it can’t. I have no knowledge about this.”
At the same time, he drew a parallel with older changes in the music industry. “I don’t think so. In the old days, when a song was being recorded, 100 players or 30–40 players were playing together. A song was being recorded. A person can compose a song in a studio. It doesn’t mean the music industry is dead. The songs are being made. AI, you can upgrade with technology. I don’t think it will change much in this industry. I don’t have much knowledge about AI. I can’t predict. I am a desi type. I can’t predict what AI will do in the future.”
Recalling his involvement in Shaitaan, he explained, “No, I gave the film to him. A writer had converted it into Hindi. So, when the final draft was being narrated, I was invited. Kumar sir (Kumar Mangat Pathak, producer of Shaitaan) had invited me. And everyone’s opinion was taken. There was a change in the ending. What do you all think? What should we do in the story? So, there were 10 of us sitting. Everyone had their own opinion. I just went with that one narration.”
He appreciated how talent from his own film got a break in the Hindi version. “I was happy. When they selected Janki from my movie Vash for Shaitaan. It was a happy day. I didn’t know Janki would work with such people. It was a good thing.” On the change in the ending, he said, “Yes. The audience reacted the same way. Like me. I had a sad end. They reacted the same way. You can see the difference. An experienced maker like me, I don’t know. I just follow the script. You can see the audience. You can understand the audience. What happened is right.”
Asked about a sequel, he was unequivocal: “Of course, it should be made. Kumar ji might be planning to make it.”
KD was also generous in acknowledging the backing he received from his producer.
“I want to credit my producer. When I made the first film, I made 3 films. It took a budget. He told me, "Whatever you do, think about Vash 2." It took me 2 years. Kalpesh (Producer of Vash) is my producer. When I told him I will do Vashikaran with 200 girls, if I am going to make this film, it will cost a lot. Kalpesh said, "We will do it." Based on his confidence, I wrote the story. I executed it.”
For Krishnadev Yagnik, the journey of Vash is as much about conviction as it is about audience validation. From winning a National Award to being embraced through a Hindi remake, he remains grounded in his belief that regional cinema can thrive when supported by both creative courage and audience demand.
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