The much-anticipated Gujarati film Locha Laapsi, starring Malhar Thakar, Vaibhavi Upadhyaya, Chetan Dhanani, and Chirag Vohra, hit theaters on September 20, 2024. Directed by Sachin Brahmbhatt, the movie has quickly garnered attention with its blend of comedy and thriller elements, a genre that has been gaining traction in Gujarati cinema. Set against the scenic backdrop of Kutch, the film follows the adventurous journey of an engineer, with plenty of twists and surprises.
Day 1 Box Office Collection
On its first day of release, Locha Laapsi managed to collect approximately ₹0.60 crore, a promising start for a regional film. The movie opened in theaters across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and select cities like Mumbai and Delhi, targeting a wide Gujarati-speaking audience. Despite competition from other major Hindi and regional films, Locha Laapsi managed to attract audiences, with early signs pointing toward positive word-of-mouth support​
The film’s strong opening day performance can be attributed to the loyal fanbase of Malhar Thakar, one of Gujarat’s most popular actors. His previous films have done well, and Locha Laapsi appears to be no exception, showing potential for a strong weekend.
Budget and Production
Locha Laapsi was made on a modest budget of ₹3-4 crore, which is typical for a Gujarati film. The producers kept the budget tight, focusing on a regional release to maximize returns. The film’s modest budget means that it does not need to achieve massive box office numbers to be considered a success. If it continues to perform well over the first weekend, it could easily recover its production costs within the first week​
The filmmakers smartly allocated their budget, investing in top-tier regional actors and quality production, without overspending on special effects or unnecessary extravagance. This strategic use of funds allowed the film to focus on storytelling, character development, and humor, all key elements that resonate with its target audience.
Plot and Audience Reception
Locha Laapsi follows the journey of Bhaskar Joshi, an ambitious engineer played by Malhar Thakar, who sets out on a road trip to showcase his latest engineering project in Kutch. However, his trip takes an unexpected turn when a flat tire leaves him stranded, forcing him to hitch a ride with a stranger. Soon, Bhaskar finds himself in a bizarre and dangerous situation involving a dead body in the car’s trunk, setting off a chain of thrilling and comedic events​
Audiences have responded positively to the film’s quirky plot, praising its mix of humor and suspense. Malhar Thakar’s performance has been a standout, and the chemistry between the cast members, including Vaibhavi Upadhyaya and Chetan Dhanani, has been well-received. The film’s lighthearted approach, coupled with its unexpected twists, has struck a chord with younger audiences and families alike.
Weekend Prospects and Future Box Office Performance
Given the strong opening and positive reviews, Locha Laapsi is expected to see an uptick in collections over the weekend. With families and younger viewers making up the bulk of its audience, the film is well-positioned to benefit from weekend traffic in theaters. Industry experts predict that the film could easily surpass the ₹2 crore mark by the end of its first weekend, potentially positioning it as one of the more successful Gujarati films of the year​
