Jackie Shroff marks 8 years of Gujarati film 'Ventilator' with Pratik Gandhi
Synopsis
Eight years after its release, the Gujarati 'Ventilator' is being remembered as a career-defining film — not just for Jackie Shroff, but as the platform that crystallised Pratik Gandhi's credentials before 'Scam 1992' made him a household name across India.
Key Takeaways
Jackie Shroff marked the eighth anniversary of the Gujarati film 'Ventilator' on 14 September 2026 .
The film, released on 14 September 2018 , was directed by Umang Vyas and adapted from Rajesh Mapuskar's 2016 Marathi original.
Pratik Gandhi plays Prashant Mandalia ; Jackie Shroff plays Jagdish 'Jaggu' Mandalia .
The ensemble includes Juhi Chawla and Malhar Thakar in cameo appearances.
The film was a key stepping stone in Pratik Gandhi's rise, preceding his national breakthrough in 'Scam 1992' in 2020 .
Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff on 14 September 2026 marked the eighth anniversary of the Gujarati film 'Ventilator', which released on 14 September 2018 and featured Pratik Gandhi in a pivotal role. The milestone highlights the film's lasting significance in Gujarati cinema and in Gandhi's rise as one of the language's most celebrated performers.
About the Film
The Gujarati 'Ventilator' is an adaptation of the acclaimed 2016 Marathi film of the same name, originally written and directed by Rajesh Mapuskar. The Gujarati version was helmed by director Umang Vyas and produced by Falguni Patel and Lawrence D'Souza under the banner Irada Entertainment.
Story and Ensemble Cast
The narrative centres on the Mandalia family, which reunites when its patriarch, Girija Prasad Mandalia, is placed on a ventilator. At its core, the film examines family bonds, generational tensions, love, and respect. Pratik Gandhi portrays Prashant Mandalia, Girija Prasad's son, whose fraught yet tender bond with his father forms one of the film's most resonant emotional threads. Jackie Shroff plays Jagdish 'Jaggu' Mandalia.
The ensemble cast includes Pravinchandra Shukla, Sanjay Goradia, Utkarsh Mazumdar, Suchita Trivedi, Mehul Buch, Tejal Vyas, and Mitra Gadhavi. Juhi Chawla and Malhar Thakar also appear in cameo roles.
Pratik Gandhi's Career Trajectory
The film represented a significant chapter in Pratik Gandhi's career, consolidating his reputation in Gujarati cinema well before mainstream Hindi audiences discovered him. His earlier Gujarati credits include 'Bey Yaar', 'Wrong Side Raju', 'Tamburo', and 'Love Ni Bhavai' — a body of work that established both his range and his industry standing.
His breakthrough at the national level came with Hansal Mehta's 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story' in 2020, in which he played stockbroker Harshad Mehta. The performance earned him widespread recognition across India and opened doors to leading roles in Hindi content.
Significance of the Anniversary
Eight years on, 'Ventilator' endures as a touchstone in contemporary Gujarati cinema — a reminder that the language's film industry can produce emotionally layered, commercially viable fare that resonates beyond its home audience. Jackie Shroff's acknowledgement of the anniversary underscores the film's personal importance to its cast. As Pratik Gandhi's profile continues to grow in Hindi cinema and OTT, the film is increasingly viewed as the training ground that prepared him for that larger stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gujarati film 'Ventilator' about?
'Ventilator' is a Gujarati drama about the Mandalia family, which reunites when its patriarch is placed on a ventilator. The film explores generational relationships, family bonds, and the complicated ties between parents and children.
Who directed the Gujarati version of 'Ventilator'?
The Gujarati 'Ventilator' was directed by Umang Vyas and produced by Falguni Patel and Lawrence D'Souza under Irada Entertainment. It is an adaptation of the 2016 Marathi film written and directed by Rajesh Mapuskar.
What role did Pratik Gandhi play in 'Ventilator'?
Pratik Gandhi played Prashant Mandalia, the son of the patriarch Girija Prasad Mandalia, whose relationship with his father forms a central emotional thread in the film. The role helped cement his standing in Gujarati cinema.
How did 'Ventilator' contribute to Pratik Gandhi's career?
The film was an important milestone in Gandhi's Gujarati film journey, adding to a body of work that included 'Bey Yaar', 'Wrong Side Raju', and 'Love Ni Bhavai'. His national breakthrough came later with 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story' in 2020.
Who else appeared in the Gujarati film 'Ventilator'?
Besides Jackie Shroff and Pratik Gandhi, the cast includes Pravinchandra Shukla, Sanjay Goradia, Utkarsh Mazumdar, Suchita Trivedi, Mehul Buch, Tejal Vyas, and Mitra Gadhavi. Juhi Chawla and Malhar Thakar appear in cameo roles.
