Premji - The Rise of Gujarati Cinema???

I will be honest.

Premji - The Rise of a Warrior is a not the greatest Gujarati film to release in recent times.

There is no direct comparison, but the other two Gujarati Blockbusters by Abhishek Jain were a better watch.

But then, why does Premji stand out?

Why should we watch Premji?

Well, simply because we must.

No, I am not advocating an activist and blind Gujarati lover approach. But all Gujarati movies  (Jo Baka, Dhirubhai...etc) inclusive should be seen by Gujaratis to ensure that the industry gets a boost.

This is not the time to be discerning. We will have to tolerate an average product but if the film makers see that they are not cutting losses and there is a wave which is willing to contribute to the rise of Gujarati Cinema, then chances are, the wave will take it forward.

Good creative people will jump into the arena. Imagine a Khichdi movie in Gujarati, why didn't it happen? Not because of lack of funds or ability. But purely because of lack of conviction.

If a Gujarati family can enthrall Hindi audiences, why can't it do the same in its Mother Tongue?

As far as Premji - The Rise of a Warrior is concerned, I can tear apart the movie and let Vijaygiri Bava take one in the chin. But will it hep him make another better movie. Probably Not. And that is the reason I feel the wave should be encouraged. There are 8-10 good Gujarati movies being planned this year.

It is well known that Vijay has bet his all on this movie. Haven't we all done something like this in the past?

But can we give him a constructive feedback, the space and watch the movie with the eye of a critic but heart of a Gujarati?

Here are the firsts that this movie promises.

Maulik Nayak as a comedian. I have personally known him and in his company you cannot just not laugh. He is the true gift to Gujarati cinema in a long long time.

Happy Bhavsar just re-iterates her class. Well Controlled and effective dialogues.

Malhar Pandya and Namrata Pathak stamping their class.

Watch out for Aarohi Patel. She has a mix of a director's and an actor's blood.

Vishal Vaishya as a villian he is scary and authoritative.

Music is melodious, soulful and appropriate.

Brilliant Camerawork, Locations and visuals.


All in all, I feel, as a Gujarati, you must decide to keep aside Rs 1000 for the next 10 Gujarati movies coming up and go through the motions. #maxkyahoga you will sit in the A/C or miss out a couple of Chinese or Mexican food outings naa. But what if the industry gets the shot and it gives you an additional entertainment option?

The rising industry will get a lift.

Go watch it, its nice, its Premji - The Rise of a #goodgujaratifilm.