Gujarati Film ‘Vash’ Makes History with a shining victory at the 71st National Film Awards on September 24, 2023. The film earned two major honors: Best Gujarati Film and Best Supporting Actress for Janki Bodiwala. Her role as Arya captured attention, and the recognition created a proud moment for Gujarati cinema.
The awards took place at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu handed them over. This made the celebration even more special. Director Krishnadev Yagnik and producer Kalpesh Soni proudly accepted the award for Best Gujarati Film. Moreover, co-producers Krunal Soni, Nilay Chotai, and Dipen Patel joined them on stage to share the excitement.
The filmmakers spoke with great joy. They said the award was beyond their dreams and credited their team as well as the audience for the success. Furthermore, they explained that Gujarati cinema is now stepping into a new age with support from people who believe in strong storytelling.
Director Krishnadev Yagnik emphasized the uniqueness of the film. He explained that Gujarati cinema rarely attempts psychological horror. However, creating Vash authentically and receiving national recognition proved that good stories cross every language and regional boundary. In addition, he dedicated the award to his hardworking team and loyal viewers.
Janki Bodiwala called the recognition the biggest moment of her career. She expressed gratitude toward her director and the team for trusting her. Importantly, she added that receiving the award from the President of India marked a turning point in her journey as an actor. Her words showed how deeply the award touched her.
Released in 2023, Vash attracted audiences with its dark themes of hypnosis and control. In addition, the film featured strong performances by Janki Bodiwala, Hitu Kanodia, and Hiten Kumar. Viewers praised its chilling story, powerful cinematography, and suspenseful screenplay. As a result, audiences remained engaged until the very end.
This achievement goes far beyond one film. It is also a huge step for the Gujarati film industry. By exploring the psychological horror genre, Vash set a bold new standard for regional cinema. Therefore, it proved that Gujarati films can compete nationally by offering innovative ideas.
Regional cinema across India shows similar growth. For example, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and other states now explore fresh storytelling styles. Consequently, the success of Vash confirms that audiences welcome creative risks, regardless of the language.
Industry experts believe this recognition will inspire more filmmakers to try new genres. They also predict that regional films may rise not only on the national stage but also globally. Moreover, many argue that Indian cinema is no longer limited to Bollywood. Instead, it grows stronger through the creativity of regional storytellers.
With this victory, the Gujarati industry gained new confidence. It encouraged producers, directors, and actors to aim higher and create films for wider audiences. Additionally, the recognition of Vash showed that regional stories can travel far and touch hearts across India.
In the end, Gujarati Film ‘Vash’ Makes History not only with awards but also by opening doors for more creativity. Its success proves that regional cinema has the strength to shape Indian film culture in powerful and exciting ways.
