Kadaknath (film)
2026 Indian Gujarati Thriller film
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Kadaknath (Gujarati: કડકનાથ) is a 2026 Indian Gujarati Crime thriller film directed and written by Kaushik Garasiya. Produced by Vihang Rathod and Nirav Bhabhor under the banner of LensQueen Films, the film stars Abhinay Banker, Denisha Ghumra, Nirav Bhabhor, Nisarg Trivedi, Chetan Daiya and others.[1][2] The film is set in the tribal region of Gujarat and incorporates the Bhili dialect. It is scheduled to be released theatrically on 26 June 2026.[3][4][5]
- Kaushik Garasiya
Nirav Bhabhor
- Abhinay Banker
- Denisha Ghumra
- Nirav Bhabhor
- Nisarg Trivedi
- Chetan Daiya
- Chetankumar Solanki
| Kadaknath | |
|---|---|
Official Poster | |
| Directed by | Kaushik Garasiya |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | Vihang Rathod Nirav Bhabhor |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Harshit Saini |
| Edited by | Vihang Rathod |
| Music by | Kedar Upadhyay Bhargav Purohit |
Production company | LensQueen Films |
| Distributed by | Rupam Entertainment |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Gujarati |
Plot
After a series of grisly killings terrify a quaint village, a noble poultry farmer embarks on an investigative quest, grappling with mystical hallucinations and an unreliable police officer. [6][4][2]
Cast
- Abhinay Banker as Abhaysinh Damor[4]
- Denisha Ghumra as Sharda Damor
- Nirav Bhabhor as Nirav Damor
- Nisarg Trivedi as Nathubhai Bhabhor
- Chetan Daiya as Inspector Pratap Parmar
- Suryanshi Shah as Dr.Nidhi
- Het Panchal as Mathur Baria
- Rahul Amaliyar as Villager
- Chandrasinh Bhabhor as Bride’s Father
- Kinjal Bhabhor as Matthu’s Bride
- Lalitaben C Bhabhor as Senior Doctor
- Pratiksha Chaudhari as Nurse
- Pankaj Chauhan as Dinu
- Amit Damor as Matthu's Father
- Mahesh Damor as Paresh
- Vijay Ganava as Rafiq Bhai
- Kiranbhai Garasiya as Matthu’s Uncle
- Maltiben Garasiya as Matthu’s Aunt
- Chetankumar Solanki as Amarsinh
Soundtrack
| Kadaknath | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album | |||||
| Released | 2026 | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 7:32 | ||||
| Language | Gujarati | ||||
| Label | LensQueen Films | ||||
| |||||
Tracklist
All lyrics are written by Bhargav Purohit; all music is composed by Kedar Upadhyay, Bhargav Purohit.
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Painu Painu" | Bhargav Purohit | Kedar Upadhyay, Bhargav Purohit | Kedar Upadhyay, Bhargav Purohit, Kaushik Garasiya, Vihang Rathod, Nirav Bhabhor | 03:12 |
| 2. | "Damor Damor" | Bhargav Purohit | Kedar Upadhyay, Bhargav Purohit | Bhargav Purohit | 02:09 |
| 3. | "Kai Maanu Ni" | Bhargav Purohit | Kedar Upadhyay, Bhargav Purohit | Nisarg Trivedi | 02:11 |
| Total length: | 07:32 | ||||
Production
Development
The film was written and directed by Kaushik Garasiya.[4] According to Garasiya, the story was inspired by the lived experiences of the Adivasi community and was conceived as a thriller to explore themes of trauma, discrimination and social marginalisation. [3][7]
Filming
The film was shot across fifteen villages in Dahod district, Gujarat.[7]
Language and themes
Kadaknath is noted for its use of the Bhili dialect and its portrayal of Adivasi life in eastern Gujarat.[3] Garasiya stated that retaining the dialect was essential to the authenticity of the story and its cultural setting.[7]
Release
The film was screened at the 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) in January 2026.[3][4] It was also showcased at the Habitat Film Festival in May 2026.[6][8]
The motion poster of the film was released on 3 April 2026,[4][9] followed by the official teaser on 20 May 2026.[10] The trailer was released on 15 June 2026 through YouTube and other social media platforms.[2] The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 26 June 2026.[1][5]
Reception
Critical reception
Kadaknath received a positive review from VTV Gujarati, which praised the film's portrayal of the tribal culture of Dahod district, use of the Bhili dialect, performances of the lead cast, cinematography and background score. The review noted that while the film's suspenseful narrative and cultural authenticity were its strengths, the second half slowed in pace and the climax could have featured a stronger twist.[11]