The Marathi film Ventilator (2016), produced by Priyanka Chopra's company, was widely praised by critics and audiences alike and went on to win three National awards.
Director Rajesh Mapuskar was flooded with requests for the film to be remade in different Indian languages.
After giving the nod for a remake in Malayalam, the makers of Ventilators have now given the green light for a Gujarati remake of the film that will have veteran Hindi film actor Jackie Shroff in the lead.
Interestingly, Shroff, a Gujarati himself, has never acted in a Gujarati film before. “Finally I have been cast in a film in my mother tongue," the actor said in a statement. "I hope I live up to it.”
The Gujarati remake will be co-produced by filmmaker Lawrence D’Souza and Irada Entertainment.
Falguni Patel of Irada Entertainment said, "We are excited and proud to make Ventilator in Gujarati. We are adapting the film as per the nuances of Gujarati culture and really looking forward to Gujarati bhidu Jackie Shroff!"
D'Souza said: "It is an exciting time in Gujarati cinema and I am looking forward to co-producing this film which is all heart."
Renowned Gujarati scriptwriter Niren Bhatt will be aided by Karan Vyas in writing the story. Umang Vyas will direct the film. Mapuskar will assist the team as creative adviser.