With regional cinema steadily rising in prominence, Gujarati films are finally stepping into the national spotlight. Leading this wave is the success of Jhamkudi, a film that has not only won hearts but also broken commercial barriers.
Actor and producer Manasi Parekh, one of Gujarati cinema’s most vocal advocates, sees this as a defining moment.
“Jhamkudi is a commercial hit. Regional films are getting more recognition. Regional films have more authenticity and they get more recognition. They have a strong chance of becoming a commercial box office hit,” she says.
Manasi Parekh's enthusiasm for the region’s storytelling is palpable, but she’s also pragmatic about the challenges that remain—particularly the lack of infrastructure to support the growing appetite for Gujarati cinema.
“Screens are very less. There should be 250 screens for Gujarati films. That number should reach at least 2000 so more people will be able to watch the film,” she urges.
Films That Shouldn’t Be Missed
When asked about must-watch Gujarati films, Manasi doesn’t hesitate:
“I would say Jhamkudi, but there is one film which I wish more people would have seen—that is Dear Father. It was with Paresh ji. It went on OTT. In theatres, it could have run,” she reflects.
She also brings up her own critically lauded film, Kutch Express, which received a National Award.
“And Kutch Express also, of course—National Award—but could have done better on screen,” she notes, lamenting the missed opportunity for broader theatrical impact.
Inspired by Legends, Dreaming Big
As for roles she dreams of playing, Parekh turns to some of Indian cinema’s most nuanced performers for inspiration.
“Vidya Balan and Konkona Sen Sharma—all their films. I am like Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, that character of Konkona,” she says, revealing her inclination toward layered, emotionally rich characters.
And if she had to title a Bollywood remake?
“For the last three—if any Bollywood film gets remade, what would you name it? Trailer has been made so…” she teases, hinting at projects in the pipeline without revealing too much.
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