Joe Andrade, for Daijiworld News Network - Bahrain
Bahrain, Jan 4: From the drama theatre to the film screen; and from the coastal Indian Konkan shores to the isles of Bahrain – the latest Konkani hit film “Padri” (that translates in English as “Priest”) is making headway with great gusto! For the first time in the history of the Middle East, Konkani enthusiasts from the Malabar Coast (Goa and Mangalore precincts) will have the privilege to watch a film of their own cultural tradition and tastes, home away from home!
Under the auspices of the Young Goans Club, Bahrain, and the banner of M/s. Lobo International, Prince Jacob’s entertaining Konkani movie will be screened at the Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium, at the Sacred Heart Church premises in Manama, Bahrain, on the 6th of January, 2006, at 7.00 p.m, creating history.
In a colorful but crisp ceremony held on 8th December, 2005, during the Annual Day celebrations of the Young Goans Club, and ironically in the presence of two revered Priests who have left an indelible mark on the island, Fr. Thomas Quadros, Parish Priest and the visiting Fr. Felicio Diniz, former Parish Priest, of the Sacred Heart Church; as also Cassius Pereira, President of the Young Goans Club; Anand Lobo of M/s. Lobo International fame and not forgetting an ardent Konkani culture supporter, Ronald D. F. D’Souza, at the pulpit, the first “Padri” film-ticket launching ceremony took off with a wee bit of fanfare. Ronald D’Souza privilegedly handed over the first ticket to Fr. Felicio Diniz, who in turn meticulously placed it in the hands of the first recipient, Cassius Pereira to the thunderous applause of the audience.
The program co-ordinator, Anand Lobo who earlier introduced the film “Padri” to the august gathering, praised the encouragement given by the President, Cassius Pereira and other supporters for making this possible.
He solicited everyone’s support in making this dream of screening a Konkani film in the region a possibility. The funds raised from the proceeds of ticket sales would support various charities in Bahrain, for the benefit of needy children and hence would go for a worthy cause, he said. Lobo concluded by thanking all the enthusiasts and assured them that their support would further go a long way in also keeping alive our Konkani culture and tradition.
The movie “Padri” is currently running to packed houses in Goa and Mangalore. The script and dialogues for the film were written by the doyen of Goan drama theatre, Prince Jacob based on a storyline of his own famous hit ‘tiatr’ of the same name. The producer of the Rs. 5-million budget film, is Raymond Quadros, a businessman from Bangalore of Mangalorean origin and has been directed by Rajesh Fernandes who is now a veteran of three successful Kannada films.
These personalities have brought together talented artistes from various parts of Karnataka and Goa to produce the film. Mangalore’s famous Konkani music-writer-composer, popularly known as “Konkan Kogul”, Wilfred Rebimbus, has provided the lyrics and music with his team of talented singers and orchestra. The 3-hour film is a perfect blend of eight melodious songs, plenty of comedy, warm emotions and awe inspiring debacles and dialogue shot at various sites and landmarks in Goa and Karnataka giving it a homely touch and conveying an apt message on family concepts and communal harmony. The producer has admirably dedicated this film to all the Priests he has personally known for their exemplary life of sacrifice and dedication
The shooting of the film had commenced in March 2005 and all its sequences completed by April in record time. For the first time in Bahrain though, it will be screened only once. All Konkani enthusiasts will hence need to make best of this opportunity in being there and extending their support. Tickets are priced reasonably at BD.3/- and BD.2/-..
For further details please and sale/availability of tickets, please contact the following organizers:
Ronald D’Souza – Tel: 39278607
Anand Lobo – Tel: 39401279
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