In the vibrant landscape of Indian regional cinema, where diverse languages and dialects weave tales of culture, identity, and human experience, a new milestone is on the horizon. Kundaalu, an upcoming Gujarati feature film set to release in cinemas on November 14, 2025, marks a historic first: it’s the inaugural full-length movie produced entirely in the Mehsani dialect of Gujarati. This earthy, rhythmic accent, native to the rural heartlands of Mehsana in northern Gujarat, has long been a staple of local folklore and everyday conversations but has rarely echoed through the silver screen. Directed by Rohit Prajapati and produced by 3 Peepul Productions in association with Geet Theatre, Kundaalu promises to immerse audiences in the authentic rhythms of village life, blending poetry, philosophy, and poignant drama.
The Essence of Kundaalu: Circles of Life and Reflection
At its core, Kundaalu—which translates to “circles” or “loops” in Gujarati—explores profound themes of existence, mortality, and the cyclical nature of human endeavors. The film’s teaser, released recently, opens with evocative Gujarati verses: “રમતા રમતા રેતીમાં લખોટી કે ગોટી, દોર્યા લાખ કુંડાળા. પણ મૂઓ કપાળે ચોંટ્યો ચાંદલો, મોઢે બોબડો, બોલે તો બોલે શું, ને ગોઝારી રેતીમાં દોરે તો દોરે શું?” Roughly translated, it speaks of playing in the sand, drawing countless circles with lines or stones, only to confront death’s mark on the forehead—a stuck vermilion dot, a distorted face. What does it say? What does it draw in the terrifying sands? This poetic introspection sets the tone for a narrative rooted in rural simplicity, where childhood games metaphorically unravel into deeper questions about fate, legacy, and the human condition.
Set against the picturesque villages of Mehsana, the film captures the unfiltered essence of Gujarati rural life—dusty paths, communal gatherings, and the subtle interplay of tradition and change. The Mehsani accent adds a layer of authenticity, making dialogues feel like overheard conversations from a bustling chai stall or a family courtyard. It’s not just a linguistic choice; it’s a cultural homage, amplifying voices from a region often overshadowed by standard Gujarati in mainstream media. The cast includes standout performances, such as Vaibhav Biniwale as the evocative character Jaga Kaka (or Jagaji), whose portrayal brings depth to the film’s emotional core. With its motion poster emphasizing “The Circle of Life,” Kundaalu appears poised to blend visual storytelling with philosophical undertones, much like a folk tale come alive.
The production journey itself mirrors the film’s themes of unexpected turns. What began as a modest short film concept during the COVID-19 lockdown evolved into this ambitious feature, showcasing resilience and adaptation in the face of challenges.
Spotlight on the Visionaries: Neena, Priya, and Suchitra of 3 Peepul Productions
Behind Kundaalu’s innovative spirit stands 3 Peepul Productions, an impact-driven film house founded by three remarkable women: Neena Arora, Priya Krishnaswamy, and Suchitra Parikh. Spread across Vadodara in India and Austin in the USA, these “accidental producers” never envisioned a career in filmmaking. Yet, their passion for powerful stories has built a company dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and narratives rooted in the Indian ethos.
Neena Arora, based in Vadodara, is an entrepreneur with a flair for the arts. A graduate in Home Science from Lady Irwin College, she owns Splatter Studio, a creative hub for exhibitions, workshops, and curated crafts. Her love for theatre led her to co-found Page to Stage in 2013 with Suchitra. Neena’s interests span films, travel, painting, music, and cooking, infusing her work with a vibrant, hands-on energy.
Priya Krishnaswamy, residing in Austin, brings a global perspective as a painter, poet, and writer. Holding degrees in English Literature from Women’s Christian College and Madras University, plus a business degree from the University of Texas-Austin, she has experience in garment sourcing and e-commerce across India, the USA, and France. Priya’s passions include literature, history, textiles, and arts, making her a bridge between cultures in the trio’s collaborative efforts.
Suchitra Parikh, also in Vadodara, is a HR consultant with a background in Sociology, Psychology, and Human Resource Development from Maharaja Sayajirao University and Tata Institute of Social Sciences. As co-founder of Page to Stage, she’s deeply involved in causes like education, health, and rural development. Suchitra’s enthusiasm for storytelling, wildlife, sports, and poetry drives the company’s focus on impactful content.
Their journey began in August 2020, amid the pandemic’s uncertainties. Neena and Suchitra were approached by aspiring filmmaker Rohit Prajapati with a four-line pitch for a short film. Enchanted by the idea, they offered to finance it, unwittingly stepping into production roles. The first shooting schedule unfolded in October 2020 as lockdowns eased briefly. By December, as preparations for the second schedule ramped up, the story had blossomed from a short into something grander—ultimately becoming the feature Kundaalu. Priya joined the fold, and together they formalized 3 Peepul Productions, drawing inspiration from the resilient Peepul tree to symbolize their adaptive, enduring vision.
As women leading in a male-dominated industry, Neena, Priya, and Suchitra embody empowerment. Their company, a member of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association, has also produced shorts like Vishwamitri Villas and projects for Sakshi, all emphasizing meaningful tales. Kundaalu stands as their flagship achievement, not just for its linguistic innovation but for proving that passion-fueled detours can create cinematic legacies.
As audiences await its release, Kundaalu invites us to reflect on our own circles—drawn in sand, etched in memory, and forever evolving. Through the lens of Mehsani Gujarati and the determination of three extraordinary women, this film is set to redefine regional storytelling.
Watch the teaser
Kundalu releases on Nov 14th 2025.
