News Gujarati

Hellaro trailer: Village women who risk it all for a chance at freedom

The National award-winning Gujarati film by Abhishek Shah is due to be released on 8 November.

In 1975 Kutch, a small group of village women attempt to break the gender imbalance by asserting themselves during the Emergency. Their drought-ridden village is segregated as the men appeal to the goddess for rain, while the women are supposed to fast.

The suppressed women happen to find a dhol player on their way to fill water, giving them an opportunity to find joy again. But once they have had a taste of freedom, will they have the courage to fight for it, against their own menfolk?

The film, directed by Abhishek Shah, won the National award for Best Feature Film, the first time a Gujarati film has won the country's top honour. Additionally, actresses Shraddha Dangar, Shachi Joshi, Denisha Ghumra, Neelam Paanchal, Tarjani Bhadla, Brinda Nayak, Tejal Panchasara, Kaushambi Bhatt, Ekta Bachwani, Kamini Panchal, Jagruti Thakore, Riddhi Yadav and Prapti Mehta were all given the Special Jury award for their performances.

The Gujarati film is due to be released on 8 November in theatres. Watch the trailer below and let us know if you are keen to watch the film.