Dhollywood, the film industry derived from the Gujarat province has seen significant experimentation and development in recent years. Gujarati culture and language have been incorporated into the films produced by this sector since the 1930s. It is now progressively making its way into the mainstream entertainment sector, which includes viewers from other parts of India and the world.

Experience the Essence of Gujarat on the Big Screen

Gujarati cinema is one of India’s top regional and vernacular cinemas. It is a reservoir of Gujarati film industry and has produced around a thousand films since its foundation. Movies like Gujjubhai the Great, Chal Man Jeetva Jaiye, and Chhello Divas have gained attention in the last 10 years. Certain films have defied the stereotype by depicting children in urban places instead of in the countryside with families. A number of films have been critically panned in the last five or six years.

The first Gujarati film–Narsinh Mehta was directed by Nanubhai Vakil in 1932. And that marks the official foundation of Gujarati Cinema aka Dhollywood. A number of films were produced later with a saint, sati, or dacoity story as well as mythological and folklore themes. Gujarati cinema’s golden age, widely acknowledged to have been marked by a sustained output of films based on literary works. A 100% entertainment tax was implemented by the government in the 2000s.

The New Gen OF Gujarati Cinema

The industry took a turn around 2010s when there was growth in technology and demand of Urban areas in movies. In  2010, Ashish Kakkad, directed a movie ‘The Better Half’, through which the tag of ‘The Urban Gujarati Film’ started.  Gujarati movies have also raised many actors since its birth. The success of Gujarati movies has inspired the young generation to pursue their careers in this industry. Gujarati movie industry is growing so there’s a chance for young talents to come up with acting as their career too. The new generation of Gujarat can surely benefit out of it. Gujarati movies play a vital role in showcasing the societal norms and way of living.

Gujarati movies like Chaal Jeevi Laiye, 3 Ekka, Su thayu?, Chello divas, Hellaro, Gujjubhai – The great, Naadi dosh, Golkeri, Bey yaar, Love Ni Bhavai, etc. have topped out of all other movies and have been highest in the box office. The highest box office Gujarati movie: Chaal Jeevi Laiye was Rs 52.14 crores, 3 ekka Rs 26.11 crores, Desh Re Joya Dada Pardesh Rs 22 crores and Kehvatlal Rs 21.5 crores.

Even more the Gujarati Movie – Wrong Side Raju starring Prateek Gandhi has won the National Film Award. It was awarded for best film in Gujarati at the 64th National Film Awards.

As this cinema grows, these films resonate with both young and old audiences, offering fresh entertainment. The upcoming movies promise engaging stories with Gujarati culture and amazing storylines.

Conclusion

Gujarati movie industry has come a long way from its beginning, shaped itself in the boundaries of Indian film industry. Presently there is an extending surety in the number of Gujarati films being produced. People of Gujarat are experiencing proud of their regional films. The success of the business is not restricted to the revenue generated and collection at the box office, but by the appreciation Gujarati films are receiving at the national as well as the international film festivals. Sustaining the trend and sustaining the quality of contents produced will be challenging as with the growth of the sector. 

For more such inspiring and successful stories be sure you follow Gujpreneur. And stay connected with the incredible journeys of Gujarat’s brightest minds.