Pratik Gandhi’s hard work has always been his strongest power, says Bhavai director Hardik Gajjar

The upcoming feature Bhavai (2021), which stars Pratik Gandhi and Kannnada actress Aindrita Ray, is a love story that weaves in the folk flavour of Gujarat with colourful characters, against the enigmatic tale of Ram Leela.

The makers recently changed the film’s title from Raavan Leela because of online protests and threats to boycott the feature. However, interest is high in the film as Gandhi is playing his first lead role in a Hindi film.

First-time director Hardik Gajjar spoke about casting Gandhi in the main role. “Our story is about a young man trying to fulfil his dreams of becoming an actor,” he said. “When we spoke to Pratik about this, he was excited about the character as he can relate to him working his way up to being the coveted star he is today. It was amazing to see him use the hunger every artiste feels as he stepped into the shoes of his character.

“Though Pratik is now a household name, we decided to collaborate with him a while before that,” he continued. “His hard work has always been his strongest power and it is no surprise that he is getting so much love from the audience. He is one of the finest actors I have seen working his magic on screen and I couldn’t be happier with what we have created for the audience here.”

The film is presented by Dr Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios and produced by Dhaval Jayantilal Gada, Akshay Jayantilal Gada, Parth Gajjar and Hardik Gajjar Films in association with Backbencher Pictures.

Also starring Abhimanyu Singh, Rajesh Sharma and Flora Saini, Bhavai is due to be released in theatres on 1 October.