Indian production company Soul Sutra is unveiling a 12-film Gujarati-language slate at the Cannes Film Market this week. The company, led by National Film Award-winning actor-producer Manasi Parekh and singer-producer Parthiv Gohil, co-produced the hit film "Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate."
Success of 'Laalo'
Directed by Ankit Sakhiya, "Laalo" became the highest-grossing Gujarati-language film in history, earning over INR100 crore ($11.7 million) worldwide on a modest production budget of INR50 lakhs ($58,000). This success has driven Soul Sutra's ambition to expand their slate and seek global partnerships.
Upcoming Projects
The Cannes presentation marks a new chapter for Soul Sutra, which has developed five Gujarati features so far. Their upcoming slate includes "Jhamkudi 2," a sequel to a previous horror entertainer, designed as a commercial spectacle for broader audiences. Other projects include "Tofani Barkas," a fantasy adventure for children with a focus on VFX, and "Laxman," a drama set in rural Gujarat about a boy advocating for animal protection.
Expanding Gujarati Cinema
"Gujarati cinema has evolved tremendously over the last few years, and we believe regional stories now have the potential to connect with audiences worldwide," said Parekh. "After 'Laalo,' the idea was to expand our production slate and actively explore global partnerships."
Soul Sutra co-produced "Laalo" with Manifest Films.
Distribution and Global Reach
In addition to production, Soul Sutra has launched a distribution arm, which includes a catalog of over 35 Gujarati titles with potential for remakes and international distribution. "The goal is to create a long-term global ecosystem for Indian regional content," Parekh added, noting the growing international interest in authentic Indian regional storytelling.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/markets-festivals/laalo-producers-soul-sutra-gujarati-slate-cannes-film-market-1236751687/
