Production No. 2: A New Era of Kathiyawadi Cinema Begins | Ankit Sakhiya and Manifest Films Announce Their Next Gujarati Feature Film

“Lagshe Vaar, Pan Avshe Majja!” — It may take time, but the real experience will be worth the wait.

The beginning of a new cinematic chapter, rooted in the identity, authenticity and cultural richness of Kathiyawad.

Gujarati cinema is preparing for another significant cinematic journey. Director Ankit Sakhiya and Manifest Films have announced their next Gujarati feature film, currently referred to by its temporary working title, Production No. 2, with a scheduled theatrical release in November 2027.

But beyond the announcement of a new film, this project arrives at a moment that invites a larger conversation: the emergence of a new era for Kathiyawadi cinema.

An era in which regional identity, cultural authenticity, powerful storytelling and the spirit of Kathiyawad can find an increasingly prominent place on the big screen.

With the extraordinary attention received by Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate, the cinematic journey associated with this team has opened a new chapter for conversations about the reach and possibilities of Gujarati-language films. The next project now adds another milestone to this developing journey.

Kathiyawad: A Distinct Cultural Identity Within Gujarat

Gujarat is one state, but its cultural identity is wonderfully diverse. Every region carries its own traditions, dialects, social customs, artistic expressions, food, literature and ways of life.

Among these regions, Kathiyawad holds a particularly distinctive place.

From its spiritual traditions and historic temples to its folk literature, music, theatre, crafts, oral storytelling and vibrant community life, Kathiyawad represents a rich cultural landscape. Its identity is shaped not only by its history and geography, but also by the authenticity, resilience, warmth and distinctive character of its people.

Kathiyawad's cultural influence extends beyond regional boundaries. Its spiritual traditions, literary contributions, folk arts and distinctive customs have helped shape how Gujarat is experienced and understood across India and among Gujarati communities around the world.

Yet the full richness of this regional identity has not always received the same level of representation in mainstream cinema.

That creates an opportunity for filmmakers to bring Kathiyawad's stories, voices, characters and cultural experiences to wider audiences without losing the authenticity that makes them distinctive.

Kathiyawad is not simply a geographical region of Gujarat. It is a cultural identity with its own voice, history, spirit and storytelling traditions.

The Arrival of Laalo: A Turning Point in the Conversation

The journey of Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate has brought renewed attention to the possibilities of Gujarati cinema.

Directed by Ankit Sakhiya and produced and presented by Manifest Films, the film became a major milestone for its team and generated attention extending beyond the traditional boundaries of regional cinema.

Its journey demonstrated how a Gujarati-language film can connect with audiences through its cultural roots, emotional storytelling and spiritual themes.

The film's success also attracted attention to the wider commercial potential of Gujarati cinema, creating conversations that reached beyond filmmaking into the worlds of business, investment, distribution and the broader Indian entertainment industry.

For Kathiyawad, this moment can be viewed as more than the success of an individual film. It can be understood as a catalyst for a larger creative movement — one that encourages filmmakers to explore regional stories with greater ambition and confidence.

It would be premature to define an entire industry through one film alone. However, Laalo has become an important reference point in the evolving conversation about Kathiyawad's place in contemporary Gujarati cinema.

The story of Kathiyawad has always existed. The opportunity now is to bring more of those stories to the cinematic screen.

The Evolution and Rebirth of Kathiyawadi Cinema

Kathiyawad has a long-standing presence across cultural and artistic traditions. Its contributions to folk performance, literature, music, theatre and storytelling form an important part of Gujarat's cultural heritage.

Cinema, however, offers a different kind of platform: one that can combine regional language, landscape, performance, music, visual storytelling and technology to carry local stories to audiences across geographical boundaries.

The growing attention surrounding films connected with Kathiyawad creates an opportunity to expand that platform.

This is where the idea of an evolution — or even a rebirth — of Kathiyawadi cinema becomes meaningful.

It is not a claim that Kathiyawadi filmmaking began with Laalo. Regional stories and filmmakers have existed long before the current moment. Rather, it reflects the possibility that a new phase is emerging: one with renewed visibility, greater audience interest and growing ambitions for the reach of Kathiyawadi storytelling.

A new generation of filmmakers can build on the work of those who came before them while exploring new production methods, wider distribution opportunities and stories that remain deeply connected to their roots.

The ambition is not merely to make films set in Kathiyawad. It is to create films that carry the region's identity authentically — through its language, people, beliefs, humour, relationships, social realities and cultural nuances.

The goal is to allow Kathiyawad to be recognised not only as a source of stories, but also as a distinctive cinematic voice.

Production No. 2: The Next Step in This Journey

Against this wider cultural backdrop, Ankit Sakhiya and Manifest Films are preparing to bring their next Gujarati feature film to cinemas.

The project is currently identified by the temporary working title Production No. 2. This is an internal project reference used for the announcement and is not the film's confirmed official title.

The actual title, storyline, cast and other production details are being kept confidential for now and will be revealed when the team is ready to make further announcements.

The project has been introduced as a unique story connected to the land of Gujarat, with Kathiyawad forming an important part of its promotional identity.

While audiences await further details, the announcement marks the next step in the team's cinematic journey.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas in November 2027, with the promotional release date presented as 11.11.11 (2027).

A new film. A new story. Another opportunity to bring the spirit of Kathiyawad to the big screen.

Beyond One Film: Building a Lasting Cinematic Identity

For Kathiyawadi cinema to grow into a lasting movement, its future must extend beyond any single production.

It will require filmmakers, writers, actors, technicians, musicians, producers, exhibitors and audiences to continue investing their creativity and energy in regional storytelling.

It will also require a willingness to explore the full diversity of Kathiyawad — from its spiritual heritage and historical narratives to contemporary society, relationships, humour, rural life, urban change and the experiences of its people.

Authenticity will be central to this journey.

The region's identity should not be reduced to familiar stereotypes or surface-level cultural references. Its real richness lies in its complexity: the differences between communities, the variety of local dialects, the depth of its traditions and the changing lives of its people.

Cinema can preserve these cultural details while presenting them in ways that connect with audiences far beyond the region.

Commercial ambition and cultural authenticity need not compete with each other. When supported by compelling stories and thoughtful filmmaking, they can strengthen one another.

The wider ambition is for Kathiyawadi cinema to develop a recognisable identity of its own — one capable of reaching audiences throughout Gujarat, across India and internationally.

“Lagshe Vaar, Pan Avshe Majja!”

The phrase captures a familiar spirit of patience and anticipation: it may take time, but the wait can be worthwhile.

A new cinematic movement cannot be established overnight. It grows through individual films, collective effort, creative risks and the continued support of audiences.

The announcement of Production No. 2 is one step in that ongoing journey.

With its official title and further details still under wraps, the project invites audiences to look ahead to the next cinematic offering from Ankit Sakhiya and Manifest Films.

The coming years will provide an opportunity to see how Kathiyawadi stories continue to evolve, how regional cinema reaches new audiences and how the cultural identity of Kathiyawad finds further expression on screen.

The aspiration is clear: more stories from the region, greater visibility for its creative talent and a stronger place for Kathiyawadi cinema in the wider Indian film landscape.

The Next Chapter Begins in 2027

The upcoming Gujarati feature film from Ankit Sakhiya and Manifest Films is scheduled for a theatrical release in November 2027.

Temporary Working Title: Production No. 2Director: Ankit SakhiyaProduction Banner: Manifest FilmsOfficial Film Title: To be announcedStoryline and Cast: ConfidentialPromotional Release Date: 11.11.11 (2027)Release Format: Only in cinemas

The official title and further project details will be announced separately.

As Kathiyawad continues to inspire new creative possibilities, this upcoming film becomes part of a larger conversation about regional identity, cinematic ambition and the future of Gujarati storytelling.

The next chapter is on its way.

Kathiyawadi cinema is evolving. Its stories are ready to travel further. And this journey is only beginning. A Personal Milestone: From Junagadh to the World of Feature Films

For me, this upcoming project is more than just another film. It represents a meaningful beginning in my filmmaking journey — a journey that has brought me back to my roots in Junagadh, the very region whose stories, culture and identity continue to inspire me.

Over the years, I have travelled to different places, explored opportunities and continued pursuing my ambitions in filmmaking. Yet, as the saying goes, no matter how far you travel, your roots always bring you home. For me, this moment feels like a return to where my journey began — not simply as a person returning to his hometown, but as a filmmaker getting the opportunity to be part of a feature film connected to his own region.

Being associated with the team behind Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate and now getting the opportunity to work on this upcoming feature film directed by Ankit Sakhiya and presented under the banner of Manifest Films is a matter of immense pride.

This project marks an important milestone in my professional journey: my first feature film project after college and the beginning of my professional entry into the feature-film industry as an Assistant Director. It is the platform through which my filmmaking aspirations are taking a more concrete shape, allowing me to learn, contribute and grow within a professional film production environment.

For someone whose filmmaking ambitions have always been connected to stories, cinema and the desire to create something meaningful, getting this opportunity from my own region makes the experience even more special. It brings together my personal roots, professional aspirations and the kind of cinematic journey I have been working towards.

I see this not as the destination, but as the beginning of a much longer journey — one built on learning, discipline, collaboration and the determination to contribute to the world of cinema.

Sometimes, the journey takes you far away so that you can return with a new perspective. And sometimes, the most meaningful beginning comes from the place you have always called home.

For me, this is where my feature-film journey begins — from Junagadh, with a dream to go far, and the opportunity to begin right here.

Jay Giranari!

Shree Krishna Sada Sahaayate.