Makers of national award winning film Hellaro announce new Gujarati project: Dhabkaaro

By Jag Jivan

National Award-winning filmmaker Abhishek Shah has commenced shooting his highly anticipated Gujarati film, Dhabkaaro, featuring a stellar cast led by veteran actor Deven Bhojani and talented performer Aarjav Trivedi. The film, currently in production at various locations across Gujarat, is poised to be a heartwarming entertainer, exploring themes of humor, liberation, and forgiveness against the backdrop of Gujarat’s rich cultural and spiritual tapestry.

Abhishek Shah, who received critical acclaim for his debut feature Hellaro, which earned the National Award for Best Feature Film in 2019, has solidified his reputation as a director with a profound understanding of socially and culturally resonant narratives. Set in the Kutch desert, Hellaro poignantly depicted women's struggles and resilience through the art of folk dance, achieving both critical and commercial success.

Following his debut, Shah went on to direct Umbarro (2025), a family comedy-drama. This film followed the transformative journey of seven Gujarati women from rural backgrounds who, for the first time, embark on an international trip to London. Their journey, filled with cultural clashes and language barriers, becomes a powerful exploration of identity, courage, and self-discovery.

Shah's recent work also includes his contributions as a writer and producer for the film Kamthaan (2024), directed by Dhrunad Kamle. The film is an adaptation of a novella by the celebrated Gujarati author Ashwini Bhatt. Set in a small town, the satirical story delves into the stigmatization of a historically marginalized tribe branded as criminal. Shah's involvement ensured that the film maintained the essence of Bhatt's sharp social commentary while bringing the narrative vividly to the screen.

Abhishek Shah shared his artistic vision, saying, “As a filmmaker, I have always believed that human emotions are the heartbeat of every story. From Hellaro to Umbarro and now Dhabkaaro, my only wish has been to create films that not only entertain but also resonate with the audience for a long time.”

Adding to the excitement, producer Aayush Patel of Harfanmaula Films expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our greatest wish has always been to tell stories that feel timeless and universal. Hellaro was born out of that dream, and with Dhabkaaro, we once again hope to touch hearts in the same way.”

The film is a joint production by Harfanmaula Films and The Moving Manch. The producers include Amar Desai, Yatin Panchasara, Kandisa Panchasara, Jaymin B. Patel, Aayush Patel, Abhishek Shah, Mit Jani, and Prateek Gupta. The technical crew features cinematographer Tribhuvan Babu Sadineni, production designer Chirayu Bodas, costume designer Niki Joshi, music director Mehul Surti, sound designer Yash Darji, and editor Vaishnavi Krishnan.

Dhabkaaro is anticipated to continue Shah’s legacy of creating meaningful and thought-provoking Gujarati cinema. The film is slated for a summer 2026 release.

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