In a historic moment for Gujarati cinema, the 71st National Film Awards turned the spotlight on regional storytelling with Vash, a psychological thriller that not only captivated audiences but also won over critics at the highest level. The film bagged two prestigious accolades namely, Best Gujarati Film and Best Supporting Actress for the talented Janki Bodiwala.
But what made this moment even more magical was its element of surprise&nbsp;for the film&rsquo;s director, Krishnadev Yagnik, who was busy finalizing sound design for the sequel, Vash 2, when the news broke.
A Dream Realized, But Not Expected&nbsp;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m still in shock,&rdquo; says Krishnadev, speaking exclusively to Benefit News 24. &ldquo;There are no words to describe how I feel. Today was the trailer launch for Vash 2, and I had absolutely no idea the National Awards were going to be announced.&rdquo;
He pauses, recalling the exact moment it happened. &ldquo;I was in the studio, deep into sound work, when someone burst in and said, &lsquo;Sir, you&rsquo;ve won a National Award!&rsquo; I was stunned. The whole place erupted into joy. It felt surreal.&rdquo;
Krishnadev&rsquo;s humility adds to the charm of the moment. &ldquo;In my ten years of filmmaking, I hadn&rsquo;t received even a minor award. And now this,&nbsp;a National Award. It&rsquo;s overwhelming. I'm deeply grateful.&rdquo;
Vash: The Thrill That Left a Mark&nbsp;
Released in 2023, Vash explored the unsettling yet intriguing world of hypnotism, layered with suspense and emotion. Featuring a powerful cast including Hiten Kumar, Hitu Kanodia, and Janaki Bodiwala, the film carved its own niche in Gujarati cinema and left such a mark that Bollywood came calling, resulting in the Hindi remake&nbsp;Shaitaan.
For Krishnadev, the success of Vash lies in its emotional architecture. &ldquo;A film has to move you, whether it makes you laugh, cry, or race your heartbeat.&nbsp;Vash was written with the goal of thrilling its audience. And I&rsquo;m glad it did just that.&rdquo;
Janki Bodiwala: A Star Forged in Dedication&nbsp;
The film&rsquo;s triumph is shared with Janaki Bodiwala, who received the National Award for Best Supporting Actress. Krishnadev is quick to emphasize that her win was no accident.
&ldquo;She truly earned it. We were filming in biting cold at a remote farmhouse, and not once did she complain,&rdquo; he recalls. &ldquo;She gave everything to that role. Her commitment, discipline, and performance were extraordinary, and that&rsquo;s what makes this recognition so well-deserved.&rdquo;
National Recognition, Regional Pride&nbsp;
The National Film Awards, first instituted in 1954 to promote excellence in Indian cinema, have long been the pinnacle of recognition for filmmakers. With Vash joining this esteemed league, it's not just a personal win for Krishnadev or Janki, it's a proud moment for Gujarati cinema as a whole.
A regional industry often overshadowed by its Hindi and South Indian counterparts, Gujarati cinema now stands tall, proving that powerful storytelling transcends language and that authentic narratives rooted in local culture can earn applause on national platforms.
As Vash continues to echo in the hearts of viewers, and as Vash 2 prepares to take the legacy forward, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning of a thrilling new chapter for Gujarati cinema.

Vash Brings National Glory to Gujarati Cinema

Gujarati film Vash wins Best Film & Janaki Bodiwala bags Best Supporting Actress award

Vash Brings National Glory to Gujarati Cinema

Gujarati film Vash wins Best Film & Janaki Bodiwala bags Best Supporting Actress award

August 2, 2025 | 14:55 IST