Debutants make a splash in Gujarati films in 2014

Contemporary storylines seem to be attracting more youngsters to Gujarati films. With Gujarati films now having revamped themselves to suit the palates of the urban viewer, young actors are lured to accept Gujarati film offers. Recently, films like Happy Familyy Pvt Ltd, Koine Kehsho Nahi and Deshbook saw many young faces being launched. Earlier, Kevi Rite Jaish and Teenager’s Gang also witnessed new faces.
The trend is more to do with experimenting, feel many in the local film industry. Says actor-director Ashish Kakkad, “New talent is appreciated in every film industry. Stars are no longer considered major crowd pullers these days and all scripts do not require big stars.”
Seconds director Dinesh Avasthi who says, “Whether the momentum picks up and whether there will be more youngsters doing Gujarati films is still uncertain. But the good thing is that there is a sense of positivity around with lot of youngsters doing Gujarati films.”
Says actor Tushar Sadhu, “Even though I came across Gujarati scripts, the ghaghra-choli type of rural movies didn’t interest me much. So, I choose to be selective about doing only contemporary Gujarati movies.” Echoing the same sentiment Jamnagar born Nayan Shukla, who’s now based in Mumbai, says, “I’m willing to do more Gujarati films. Over the years, Gujarati films have earned a bad repertoire and it’s time to break that barrier.”
For Vapi-based Bhavwini Gandhi, doing a Gujarati film is something to do with Gujarati pride. “I am a Gujarati and I was never apprehensive of doing a Gujarati film,” says Bhavwini, who is considering doing more Gujarati films after Deshbook.
Divyang Thakkar and Samvedna Suwalka too are considered bankable young talent and are going to be sharing screen space in Bey Yaar. Says Divyang, “For me being part of a good film is very important. So I am choosing Gujarati projects carefully. However, my intention is clear – to do a good quality Gujarati film.”
Actor Karan Ashar, who debuted in Happy Familyy Pvt Ltd. Says, “I thoroughly enjoyed working in a Gujarati film and am waiting for another good Gujarati script.”
With more Gujarati films trying to establish a youth connect, one can expect more young talent do all the talking on 35 mm.