Stany Bela
Films have always been the cultural space where stereotypes are perpetuated. However, the Konkani movie 'Osmitay,' produced by Loui J Pinto under the banner of Mandd Sobhann Productions, has managed to establish its own identity through its unique theme and storytelling approach. The movie primarily focuses on linguistic glorification through the lens of cinema. 'Osmitay' stands out due to its authentic portrayal of characters and its solid premise, penned by the legendary Eric Ozario. Beyond mere glorification, the movie offers a more realistic and linguistic portrayal of a community, blending dialects, regional representation, and folk art.
Taking a leap into the past and weaving through the present, the drama not only introduces the identity of the Konkani community spread across the Konkan belt but also retains the audience's attention throughout. For those interested in dialect-based characterization, 'Osmitay' serves as an ideal study material. Director Vilas Rathnakar Kshatriya accomplishes more than just introducing the characters to the audience; he brings their lives closer to ours, running for a solid two and a half hours, allowing us to know their every move.
The promising leads, Ashwin D'Costa and Wencita Dias, play pivotal roles in the story through their travel diary, including mild love scenes, drawing the audience into the narrative with their classic screen presentation. Special recognition goes to Saiesh Panandikar from Goa for his intense acting skills.
Balaraj Gowda's cinematography is impressive, featuring slick shots. The music department, led by Eric Ozario, Allwyn Fernandes, Cajaten Dias, and Joel Periera, does a commendable job, with the background scores being a significant asset. Editor Joel Pinto skillfully edits the film, synchronizing it with the story's rhythm and presenting it beautifully on screen.
Mandd Sobhann is known for its Konkani activities, aiming to exhibit and preserve the richness of Konkani language, art, and culture. With 'Osmitay,' the production company showcases its expertise, delivering a film that doesn't rely heavily on subplots but scores with interesting summarization and a few fun scenes. Additionally, the production house incorporates some formulaic elements. The film starts off well and improves as it delves into historical narrative episodes. Ultimately, the film successfully entertains the audience while projecting the identity of the Konkani community. Overall, 'Osmitay' is a delightful entertainer that also provides valuable insights into Konkani and its linguistic identity.
The movie is set to be released in Mangaluru, Surathkal, Padubidri, Manipal, Puttur, Belthangady, Karkala, Udupi, and Honnavar on September 15, a Friday. In the coming days, 'Osmitay' will also see releases in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Israel, Germany, Australia, Ireland, and the USA.