Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has marked the eighth anniversary of his Gujarati film Ventilator, which also starred actor Pratik Gandhi in a key role.
Released on September 14, 2018, the film was a Gujarati adaptation of the 2016 Marathi film of the same name, originally written and directed by Rajesh Mapuskar. The Gujarati version was directed by Umang Vyas and produced by Falguni Patel and Lawrence D’Souza under the banner of Irada Entertainment.
Ventilator revolves around the Mandalia family, which comes together after its patriarch, Girija Prasad Mandalia, is placed on a ventilator. The film explores family bonds, love, respect and the complex relationships between different generations.
Gandhi played Prashant Mandalia, Girija Prasad’s son, whose relationship with his father forms a key emotional thread in the story. Shroff portrayed Jagdish “Jaggu” Mandalia.
The ensemble cast also included Pravinchandra Shukla, Sanjay Goradia, Utkarsh Mazumdar, Suchita Trivedi, Mehul Buch, Tejal Vyas and Mitra Gadhavi. Juhi Chawla and Malhar Thakar appeared in cameo roles.
The film was an important part of Gandhi’s journey in Gujarati cinema. Before gaining nationwide recognition, he had already established himself through films including Bey Yaar, Wrong Side Raju, Tamburo and Love Ni Bhavai.
Gandhi’s major breakthrough with the Hindi-speaking audience came in 2020 with Hansal Mehta’s Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, in which he portrayed stockbroker Harshad Mehta. His performance earned him widespread acclaim and recognition across India.