“This (film Umbarro) is to show women that everything is possible if they are crossing boundaries and opening their wings like I have done in America,” said Falguni Patel at a special premiere in Edison, where dignitaries, community leaders, and film enthusiasts gathered to celebrate her latest production.
Patel, who also produced the 2018 National Award-winning film Irada in the Best Film on Environment category, has a growing reputation in the Indian film industry. Irada earned Divya Dutta a National Award for Best Supporting Actress. Patel, who is both an actor and producer, has four films to her credit: Irada (2017), Ventilator (2018), Hirkani (2019), and Umbarro (2025). Umbarro is her second Gujarati-language production.
Addressing the guests, Patel shared how her parents encouraged her to spread her wings and pursue her dreams, a lesson she is now passing on to her two daughters. “So this is very close to my heart, and I hope the audience appreciates (it) in America as well,” she said.
The film delves into the concept of human boundaries, which Patel noted are not limited to any gender or age group. However, Umbarro particularly focuses on Indian women, highlighting the sacrifices they make in their personal and professional lives. “It is especially about Indian women who sacrifice a lot for their household work, for their careers, being the first to sacrifice for their family,” she said.
The story of Umbarro follows seven Gujarati women who have never traveled beyond their hometowns. They embark on a journey to London, organized by two aspiring tour operators who serve as their guides. As they navigate language barriers, currency confusion, and cultural differences, the women experience a roller coaster of emotions. They form new friendships, uncover hidden aspirations, and find support in each other.
With a star-studded cast of veteran stage and television actors, Umbarro brings together Sucheta Trivedi, Vandana Pathak, Vineeta Joshi, and writer-turned-actress Kajal Oza Vaidya. The film also features a special appearance by Navratri Queen Falguni Pathak.
Produced by Patel along with Sanjay Chhabria and co-producer Amit Bhanushali, Umbarro has found success not just in India but also in Australia, the UK, and Africa. The film was shot entirely on location in London and is written by Hemant Dhome, with a screenplay by director Abhishek Shah and Keyu Shah. While maintaining a comedic tone, the film incorporates moments of emotional depth. With cinematography by Tribhuvan Babu and music composed by Mehul Surti, the film offers both visual and auditory delight. Songs like the title track Umbarro, London Ke Limbdi, and Travel Mode have resonated well with audiences.
Patel’s husband and co-producer, Chintu Patel, described the film as an uplifting experience filled with emotions, humor, and fantastic music. He expressed pride in its reception, noting that it had earned a high 9.2 rating on IMDb. “People are loving it,” he said.
Highlighting the logistical challenges of filming abroad, Patel remarked, “To have a Gujarati movie shot for 25 days in London was not easy because your budgets are very small. So I really want to thank all the actors and actresses—they have done a tremendous job.”
Patel also praised the film’s director, Abhishek Shah, calling him “a magician” whose talent is evident in the film. He expressed gratitude to co-producer Sanjay Chhabria for staying committed to the project. “We are very happy for the Gujarati film industry and looking forward to promoting Gujarati films in the US,” Patel said.
The event’s chief guest, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, commended the Patels for bringing Umbarro to the U.S. and promoting Indian culture. “I would say it’s a true contribution to the cultural bridge between our two great nations. What you are doing is in a very direct way contributing to promoting not only Gujarati movies, which are becoming mainstream both in India and abroad, but also you are bringing the culture to the United States.”
Pradhan expressed hope that films like Umbarro would find a larger audience in the U.S. through streaming platforms. “I am really happy this year we are promoting Indian movies, not Bollywood alone,” he said. He also shared plans for the Consulate, with support from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to host a forum in New York City featuring the film’s cast. The event would focus on how films contribute to society and nation-building. “At the end of the day, these movies contribute in many different ways to bind our children to the families, to back home,” Pradhan noted.
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of ITV Gold and Parikh Worldwide Media, congratulated the Patels for producing globally popular films. He encouraged them to continue supporting the Gujarati film industry.
The film’s title, Umbarro, translates to “doorstep,” symbolizing the vast world that lies beyond one’s immediate surroundings. Pradhan reflected on this symbolism, saying, “I think all of you have crossed that ‘dehleej’ in one way when you came out of India. This is about women crossing the ‘dehleej,’ but it is applicable to all.”
Srujal Parikh, Joint Secretary of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), highlighted the film’s success in India and internationally. He lauded Patel’s achievements as a National Award-winning producer and extended congratulations on behalf of FIA and the Gujarati Association of North America. Parikh encouraged audiences to support Gujarati cinema in the U.S. and spread the word about Umbarro.
TV Asia Chairman H.R. Shah also took the opportunity to thank Consul General Pradhan for his presence at the screening and his support for the Gujarati community.
With Umbarro, Falguni Patel has once again brought forward a story that resonates deeply, blending humor, emotion, and cultural identity. Through this journey of seven women stepping outside their comfort zones, the film offers a celebration of self-discovery, independence, and the power of shared experiences.