Filmmaker Ankit Sakhiya’s ‘Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate’ has become one of the year’s most surprising success stories, earning magnificent box office numbers domestically and boosting Gujarati cinema’s presence in the national spotlight. Recently the director, Ankit, revealed in an interview that the film is a philosophical drama and not something that conveys politics.
Ankit Sakhiya on the film’s plot
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about the film’s origin, Sakhiya says the story began with a very human struggle: a man trapped in his circumstances, searching for a way out. The narrative evolved when the team imagined, “What if God appears and talks to him?” That simple spark turned into a film layered with philosophy and warmth. The director explains that Krishna in the film represents celebration, joy, dancing, and the spirit of living. That essence inspired music and emotional upliftment in the latter half of the film. “We didn’t start grand, but piece by piece, Laalo took shape, and its divinity emerged naturally,” Sakhiya says.
Opens up about sequel plans
Amid the film’s soaring popularity, expectations for a sequel have begun to rise. But Sakhiya remains cautious. He insists that the Krishna portrayed in ‘Laalo’ is now beyond fabrication—something that emerged with sincerity and spiritual connection. “If we can’t recreate that divinity truthfully, what’s the point of a sequel? It shouldn’t be forced,” he says.
Love from the audience
On the larger shift within Gujarati cinema, Sakhiya credits authenticity. He believes audiences are responding to films that proudly reflect their culture, much like the success of Malayalam storytelling nationwide. “People felt, ‘This is our story. This is about us,’” he says, adding that regional cinema has found power in being true to its roots rather than mimicking larger industries.
