GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
- Out-of-the-Box murder mystery set to redefine regional film genre
- High-Voltage cast, unforgettable twists & a dark love triangle ignite audience buzz
- Veteran Wisdom Meets Raw New Talent — Chetan Dahiya on Bridging Generations
Gujarati cinema gears up for its boldest suspense murder mystery yet as Studio Arva Production unveiled the electrifying trailer of Black Birthday at a star-studded press launch in Ahmedabad today. Directed by debutants Brijesh Bauddh and Shahid Ali and produced by Sahil Patel & Vishal Prajapati, the high-octane thriller is slated for a theatrical release on February 13, 2026, promising audiences an immersive cinematic experience that keeps them guessing until the final frame.
“From Workshop to Thriller: A Story Forged in Creativity” — Writer-Director Brijesh Bauddh
The journey of Black Birthday began unconventionally. Debutant co-director Brijesh Bauddh revealed, “this story was presented at a one-day script writing workshop which saw the participation of 45 persons, which was divided into 9 groups with 5 persons in each group. Shahid Ali was my groupmate. We have developed it based on 5 themes given to us.”
He continued, “Initially, we had decided to make a documentary, then a web series, and finally it was made into a crime thriller. Our first title was ‘Happy Birthday’. Since we have not received the desired title, it was changed into ‘Black Birthday’.”
Brijesh also acknowledged the creative guidance received from seasoned performers, saying, “We are indebted to veteran theatre and cine actor Chetan Dahiya for guiding us in fine-tuning the script and also filmmaking. All actors were chosen after finalising the script. Senior actor Jitendra Thakar was chosen for the role of heroine’s dad in recognition of his versatility.”
Veteran Wisdom Meets Raw New Talent — Chetan Dahiya on Bridging Generations
Veteran actor Chetan Dahiya, who played a pivotal behind-the-scenes mentorship role, remarked, “We have to encourage all newcomers. Veteran filmmaker of Bollywood Subhash Ghai was also once a newcomer. I used to play the role of police officer in many films. However, all roles were presented in unique way and not monotonous one. As actors, we have to accept any challenging role.”
Lead Cast Sparks Excitement — Arjan Trivedi & Yogita Patel on ‘Black Birthday’
Arjan Trivedi shared, “Black Birthday challenged me to dive deep into a character driven by ambiguity and emotion — it’s unlike anything I’ve done before. Every frame pulses with tension.”
Yogita Patel added, “This story pushed boundaries — not just of genre, but of how we engage with narrative itself. The mystery, the relationships, the twists — you won’t see it coming.”
The film’s ensemble cast also features Jitendra Thakkar, Dhruvi Soni, Smit Joshi, Magan Luhar, Kalpesh Patel and Gaurang JD, each bringing layered performances that amplify the film’s tense storyline.
Dark Love, Deadly Secrets — A Narrative to Keep You Guessing
The trailer offers a gritty, atmospheric glimpse into a narrative built on love, jealousy, betrayal, and a shocking murder investigation. Studio Arva’s team emphasised that Black Birthday isn’t just a film — it’s a visceral experience curated to raise the bar for regional storytelling. With its complex love triangle that turns perilous and a mystery that unravels tightly-woven truths, the movie stakes its claim as a landmark in Gujarati cinema’s evolution.
