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, Chetankumar Solanki and others. 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.
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.
Cast Abhinay Banker as Abhaysinh Damor 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 Abdulwaseem Qureshi as Dipu
Soundtrack
Tracklist
Production Development
The film was written and directed by Kaushik Garasiya. 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.
Filming
The film was shot across fifteen villages in Dahod district, Gujarat.
Language and themes
Kadaknath is noted for its use of the Bhili dialect and its portrayal of Adivasi life in eastern Gujarat. Garasiya stated that retaining the dialect was essential to the authenticity of the story and its cultural setting.
Release
The film was screened at the 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) in January 2026. It was also showcased at the Habitat Film Festival in May 2026.
The motion poster of the film was released on 3 April 2026, followed by the official teaser on 20 May 2026. The trailer was released on 15 June 2026 through YouTube and other social media platforms. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 26 June 2026.
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.
See also List of Gujarati films of 2026 List of Gujarati films
References
External links