FROM BOX OFFICE TO CLASSROOM: GUJARATI HIT ‘LAALO’ SCREENS AT WHISTLING WOODS INTERNATIONAL WITH MASTERCLASS MODERATED BY SUBHASH GHAI AND HANSAL MEHTA

Whistling Woods International (WWI), Asia's premier institute of film, communication, and creative arts technologies, hosted a special screening of the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Gujarati film Laalo, followed by an insightful industry masterclass, celebrating the growing impact of regional cinema and the success of its alumni in the Gujarati film industry.

The masterclass was moderated by two stalwarts of Bharatiya cinema—Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman, Whistling Woods International, and acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta. The session featured the creative team behind Laalo, including director Ankit Lakhiya and actors Karan Joshi, Reeva Rachh, and Shruhad Goswami, who shared their experiences of creating a successful regional film that resonated strongly with audiences.

A standout aspect of Laalo is the exceptional contribution of five Whistling Woods International alumni, who played pivotal roles across sound design and post-production—underscoring the institute’s growing footprint in regional and Gujarati cinema. The alumni include Devkrit Baluni (Sound Designer & Supervising Sound Editor), Laukik Shetye (Re-recording Mixer & Dialogue Editor), Sanjana Gundre (Assistant Re-recording Mixer & Sound Effects Editor), Aditya Negi (Dialogue Editor & Sound Effects Editor), and Mohit Rana (Foley Artist).

Over the years, Whistling Woods International alumni have been consistently contributing to regional cinema across Bharat, emerging as a strong space where WWI-trained professionals are shaping technically robust and commercially viable films. Laalo stands as a testament to how strong storytelling, backed by skilled technical craftsmanship, can elevate regional cinema to national prominence.

The special screening, organised exclusively for WWI students, aimed to inspire young filmmakers by showcasing real-world alumni success stories and reinforcing the institute’s philosophy of pursuing creative passion with professional rigor.

During the masterclass, director Ankit Lakhiya spoke about the film’s creative journey and production challenges, while Hansal Mehta and Subhash Ghai discussed the film’s technical strengths, including its innovative cinematography and acclaimed single-shot fight sequence. Alumnus Devkrit Baluni offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on the film’s sound design process and its role in enhancing cinematic storytelling.

Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman of Whistling Woods International, stated with pride, “Regional cinema is where some of Bharat’s most authentic and powerful stories are being told today. Films like Laalo demonstrate how strong storytelling, combined with technical excellence, can create both critical and commercial impact. At Whistling Woods International, we are proud to see our alumni contributing meaningfully to this space and remain committed to providing our students with platforms that connect education directly with industry practice.”

The session concluded with closing remarks by Meghna Ghai Puri, President, Whistling Woods International, who reiterated WWI’s commitment to nurturing industry-ready talent and strengthening the bridge between education and the evolving regional film landscape.

About WWI

Whistling Woods International (WWI), located in Mumbai’s Filmcity, is Bharat’s premier institute for Film, Communication & Creative Arts. Established in 2006, WWI delivers hands-on, industry-oriented education through world-class infrastructure and expert faculty. Courses offered include Filmmaking, Actor’s Studio, Media & Communication, Visual Communication Design, Fashion & Costume Design, Animation & Game Design, Music, and Short Courses. The 5.5-acre campus fosters a blend of creative and business learning through immersive, real-world training. With 4000+ alumni in the media and entertainment industry, WWI continues to shape the next generation of storytellers. At its core, the institute upholds creativity, knowledge, empathy, and respect.