“You will be hacked!” — Imagine receiving such a message or suddenly discovering your social media account has been hacked. That gut-wrenching feeling is exactly what the Gujarati film “Shashtra”, released today on Gujarat Sthapna Divas, aims to capture. The film delves deep into the alarming rise of cybercrime and hacking — an issue more relevant today than ever. While it is a thriller at heart, Shashtra also acts as a social mirror.
The film stars Chetan Dhanani, Puja Joshi, Hemin Trivedi, Priyal Bhatt, Shrey Maradia, and Deep Vaidya, all of whom deliver compelling performances. Chetan Dhanani, in the role of Inspector Raghav, stands out with his strong screen presence, while Puja Joshi gives an emotionally nuanced performance as Vaidehi. Hemin Trivedi, as Jogi, adds a layer of wit with some well-timed punchlines. Though Deep Vaidya enters post-interval, he leaves a lasting impact.
The film goes beyond entertainment. It raises important awareness about the growing dangers of our digital world. It’s especially thought-provoking for the youth, prompting viewers to reflect on how vulnerable our personal data really is. Directed by Kartavya Shah, Shashtra treats the theme of cybercrime not just with urgency, but with cinematic finesse. The story is written by Bhargav Trivedi, and the film is produced by Ajay Patel, Dit J Patel, Ashok Patel, and Piyush Patel.
The movie effectively highlights how technology — though meant to simplify life — can become dangerously unregulated and invasive.
If you’re looking for something different from the usual fare in Gujarati cinema — a serious, technically sound film that dives into the darker corners of the digital world — “Shashtra” is a must-watch.
Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars
