3 Ekka

3 Ekka (૩ એક્કા) is a 2023 Indian Gujarati-language drama film directed by Rajesh Sharma and written by Chetan Daiya and Parth Trivedi. It stars Malhar Thakar, Yash Soni, Mitra Gadhavi, Kinjal Rajpriya, Esha Kansara, and Tarjanee Bhadla in the lead roles. The film was released on 25 August 2023 and went on to become the second-highest grossing Gujarati film of all time, behind Chaal Jeevi Laiye!.

Plot
Three friends stuck in financial crises come up with an idiotic plan to transform a simple middle-class house into a secret gambling den. A series of mishaps inside and outside the gambling den keep piling up.

Cast

 * Malhar Thakar as Kalrav
 * Yash Soni as Kabir
 * Mitra Gadhavi as Bhargav
 * Kinjal Rajpriya as Mansi
 * Esha Kansara as Jhanvi
 * Tarjanee Bhadla as Kavita
 * Hitu Kanodia
 * Chetan Daiya
 * Prem Gadhavi
 * Tusharika Rajguru
 * Om Bhatt

Production
On 20 November 2022, the film was announced featuring the trio of Malhar Thakar, Yash Soni, and Mitra Gadhavi. They had previously worked together in blockbuster Gujarati film Chhello Divas. The film is produced under the banner of Anand Pandit Motion Pictures, and Jannock Films. The music of the film has given by Kedar and Bhargav.

Filming
The shooting of the film commenced on 13 February 2023 and wrapped up in nearly 50 Days. The entire film was shot in Ahmedabad.

Marketing and Release
The teaser of the film released on 15 July 2023. The trailer of the film was released on 21 July by Amitabh Bachhan. The film was initially set to release on 18 August 2023, but it was rescheduled and then released on 25 August 2023.

Reception
The film was well received by the audience. It was declared blockbuster on the box office and grossed over inr 125600000 in its first week. It collected inr 261100000 in its 20-day run, becoming the second-highest grossing Gujarati film of all time behind Chaal Jeevi Laiye!.

Akanksha Vasavada of The Times of India rated it 4 out of 5. She praised story, direction and performances while noted that the second half needed "tighter" editing. Rachana Joshi writing for Mid-Day Gujarati rated it 3 out of 5. She praised performances, direction and story but criticised the screenplay and editing.