Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Praise for ‘Laalo’: When a Master Filmmaker Celebrates a Small-Budget Miracle
In the world of Indian cinema, few moments capture the essence of genuine appreciation like when an acclaimed director publicly lauds a lesser-known film. Renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, celebrated for masterpieces such as Parinda, 3 Idiots, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., and the recent 12th Fail, recently shared a heartfelt endorsement of the Gujarati devotional drama Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate. His words have amplified the film’s already remarkable journey, highlighting how talent recognizes talent, regardless of budget or scale.
Chopra, who rarely reviews films he hasn’t made, described his experience watching Laalo in its original Gujarati version. He intended to view just 10-15 minutes late at night but ended up finishing the entire film until 1 a.m. Moved by its emotional depth, he urged audiences: “Whatever you are doing, leave it and watch this film.” He emphasized that the movie offers something rare in contemporary cinema—hope. Chopra’s praise came straight from the heart, especially timely as Laalo released in Hindi on January 9, 2026, expanding its reach nationwide.
This endorsement carries significant weight coming from Chopra, a veteran whose career spans decades of impactful storytelling. His films often blend realism, emotion, and inspiration, much like Laalo, directed by Ankit Sakhiya. The story follows a troubled rickshaw driver (played by Karan Joshi) trapped in a farmhouse, confronting past demons through divine visions of Lord Krishna (Shruhad Goswami), guiding him toward self-discovery, healing, and faith. It weaves themes of karma, redemption, and the Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom into a simple yet profound narrative.
What makes Laalo truly extraordinary is its phenomenal commercial success on a shoestring budget of just ₹50 lakh. Released in Gujarati on October 10, 2025, it started slowly but exploded via powerful word-of-mouth. From a modest initial collection, it surged dramatically in later weeks, becoming the first Gujarati film to cross ₹100 crore worldwide (and eventually reaching around ₹120 crore). This translates to an astonishing profit margin of over 23,000%, outpacing many big-budget Hindi blockbusters in terms of return on investment.
The film’s triumph showcases the growing power of regional cinema in India. It earned rare multiplex concessions like VPF waivers and drew families, devotees, and general audiences alike. Critics and viewers praised its heartfelt performances, soul-stirring music, beautiful cinematography capturing Gujarat’s landscapes, and a message of unwavering hope through devotion.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s appreciation underscores a beautiful truth: cinema’s magic lies in its ability to transcend language, budget, and hype. When one brilliant talent like Chopra celebrates another emerging one, it inspires filmmakers and audiences alike. Laalo proves that sincere storytelling, rooted in emotion and faith, can create history. As it now reaches Hindi-speaking viewers, it carries the potential to touch even more hearts—reminding us that hope, like divine guidance, arrives when least expected.