Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 11: After nearly a decade, a full-fledged Konkani movie by Mangalurean Catholic producer is releasing in the coastal region. After Frank Fernandes' 'Kaazar', the Konkani film scene witnessed a long lull as no one came forward to produce another movie because of its limited success. Henry D'Silva, entrepreneur and Konkani cultural organiser has now given some ray of hope for Konkani movie lovers. His 'Noshibacho Khell' is all set to release in Mangaluru on August 12 and then in Udupi on August 19.
"I really did not have this big a plan, just wanted to produce a small budget movie, but as the work progressed, the budget went beyond expectation, but it was still within limits," says Henry D'Silva. "I don't want to give wrong figures to fool the Konkani people or discourage new producers. I want to tell you that one can give the very best movie with a budget of Rs 40 to Rs 50 lac. If anyone says Konkani movie needs not less than Rs one crore, then it may not be true," he says.
Henry D'Silva and Frank Fernandes
"I have huge expectations from this movie. Those who have watched this movie privately have given us a big thumbs-up. Newcomers and young artistes have really done wonders in this movie. It is a pleasure to feature Ester Noronha who is a Mangalurean Catholic girl who first entered Hindi cinema, then Telugu, Kannada and other languages, and finally found a space in her own mother tongue. This is an added advantage to the movie," he says
"The Goan comedy sensation Prince Jacob has given a natural performance. New talents Elton Mascarenhas and Ranjitha Lewis have shown matured acting skills in their maiden appearances."
"Music is a major part of this movie, and is already a hit. The fact that over 3,000 copies of the CD have already been sold is a testimony to the success of the movie. Music is mixed with Konkani and Marathi flavour. I have seen people playing our movie's music in weddings, social functions, and even in bus and car transports," Henry says with a smile.
The movie is directed by Bhojpuri fame award-winning director Harry Fernandes.
The year 2016 has been so far a blessing to the Konkani filmdom. Veteral multilingual producer Frank Fernandes has already released his movie 'Ek Aslyar Ek Na' in the Gulf countries. His strategy of releasing the movie abroad first and then in Mangaluru has enabled him to at least recover the costs. Now he is planning to release the movie in Mangaluru during the first week of September. If 'Noshibacho Khell' remains in theatre until then, then it would be a historic moment for the Konkani movie industry, as never before have two movies run in the coastal region at the same time. This will give a whole new dimension to the Konkani movie industry.
A veteran theatre actor told daijiworld, "Finally a good time has come for Konkani movies, thanks to Richard Castelino, the well-known Konkani movie producer, Raymond Quadros, Frank Fernandes and now Henry D'Silva. But my only regret is that lots of nepotism and favouritism is going on in selecting actors for roles. This not only pains us but impacts the movie's quality and vibrancy in production. A director casts his father, mother, brother, sister and relatives in the movie, or he brings in some sponsors, producer never interferes in role selection... how can you have success this way? We have veteran stage artistes in Mangaluru, but there's no chance of us getting roles. Looks at Tulu industry, where fair chance has been given to theatre artistes."
Maxim Pereira, a young music composer and singer is now ready with a new Konkani movie, to be shot shortly in Mangaluru. This is an encouraging trend indeed.
Not only Mangalurean producers, but Goan producers and directors have now realized the interest of Mangalurean Konkani people. 'Planning...Devachem' directed by Rajesh Fernandes has features a few Mangalurean actors. The director is looking to screen the movie in both Mangaluru and Goa, and the rest of the world.
In what is even more heartening, this year saw the release of the first full-length children's movie in Konkani, titled 'Aa-Vy-Ja-Sa'. The movie, directed by Dr Ramesh Kamath, was released in the first week of August.
The year 2016 may see at least 3-4 movies released in Mangaluru, which indicates a bright future for the Konkani movie industry. Konkani speaking must support these movies by watching them in theatres.
A Konkani activist expressed concerns about the crowd-pulling capacity of Konkani movies. "Unlike Tulu, Konkani will find it tough to attract crowds to theatres. Our people will not easily go to theatres to watch a Konkani movie. But there should be collective efforts to gather people, bring awareness among them and take them to the theatres. If not, Konkani movies will not run for more than one week."