Gandhinagar, November 30, 2025 – In a groundbreaking achievement for Gujarati cinema, Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate, the devotional drama that has captured hearts worldwide, has become the first-ever Gollywood film to surpass the ₹100 crore mark at the global box office. This historic milestone, achieved after 51 days in theaters, marks a triumphant moment for the regional film industry and underscores the growing influence of Gujarati storytelling on the world stage.

Directed by debutant Ankit Sakhiya, Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate (often simply referred to as Laalo) tells the poignant story of a grieving father who embarks on a transformative spiritual journey guided by visions of Lord Krishna. Starring Karan Joshi in the lead role, the film blends emotional drama with devotional themes, resonating deeply with family audiences and devotees alike. What began as a modest release on October 10, 2025, quickly snowballed into a cultural phenomenon, fueled by explosive word-of-mouth that turned it into a sleeper hit.

Trade reports confirm that Laalo has grossed ₹102.24 crore worldwide, including ₹80 crore net in India alone after 50 days, with an additional ₹1.65 crore added on Day 51. Overseas markets contributed approximately ₹5.50 crore, propelling the total past the coveted ₹100 crore mark.

This achievement not only dethrones the previous highest-grossing Gujarati film, Chaal Jeevi Laiye (2019), which earned around ₹50 crore but also establishes Laalo as the undisputed highest-grossing Gujarati film of all time.

The film’s path to this pinnacle has been nothing short of extraordinary. Made on a shoestring budget of just ₹50 lakh, Laalo delivered a staggering 14,000% return on investment, shaking up the industry’s financial landscape. Its opening weekends were modest, collecting ₹0.40 crore in its first week, followed by ₹0.30 crore and ₹0.75 crore in the subsequent weeks. However, the tide turned dramatically in the fourth week, with an unprecedented 1,800% surge—Friday brought in ₹0.45 crore, Saturday ₹1.20 crore, Sunday ₹2.20 crore, and even mid-week Tuesdays climbed to ₹2.75 crore. By the seventh week, the film was still raking in nearly ₹10 crore over the weekend, defying competition from new releases.

Karan Joshi took to Instagram to celebrate the milestone, saying, “From a small dream to crossing ₹100 crore—Laalo is proof that stories from the heart can touch millions. Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat!” Fans flooded the comments section with pride, with one writing, “Proud moment for every Gujarati,” while another added, “Many congratulations to the entire team!”

Industry insiders are hailing this as a watershed moment for Gollywood, which collectively struggled to hit ₹100 crore in annual releases just a year ago. Now, a single film has not only achieved that but is on track to exceed ₹125 crore in India alone, potentially challenging pan-India blockbusters like Pushpa 2 in Gujarat’s state circuit. The sustained footfalls, even after 50 days, underscore the film’s enduring appeal, drawing crowds from multiplexes to single screens across the state and diaspora communities abroad.

Laalo’s success is a testament to the power of authentic regional narratives in an era dominated by big-budget spectacles. As director Ankit Sakhiya reflected in a recent interview, “We made this for our people, and they’ve made it immortal.”

With celebrations underway in Ahmedabad’s film circles, the question on everyone’s lips is: What’s next for Gujarati cinema? If Laalo is any indication, the future looks brighter—and more profitable—than ever. DeshGujarat