Mangalore: Konkani Mega TV Serial to Take off on Doordarshan

By Viju Mangalore - Daijiworld.com Mangalore

Mangalore, Aug 22: Leaving no stone unturned to promote Konkani language and its culture, the Konkanis spread worldwide have adopted every form of media. The silver screen has seen several adventurous ventures by Konkani stalwarts. And when Konkani has reached most houses through literature i.e. Konkani magazines, weeklies, monthlies, bi annuals, Konkani will soon step into the living room of every house!

'Kaani Axi Mogachi', the first mega television serial running into over 200 episodes will be aired shortly on Doordarshan. 

Directed by young and enthusiastic Melwyn Mathias, the TV serial has already completed shooting 10 episodes and will be aired on October 14 between 10.30 pm and 11 pm on DD Chandana channel.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Geo D’Silva, PRO and Marketing manager of the serial said that the venture has been under the banner of Mangalore Telefilms which has taken the popular story written by Victor Rodrigues Angelore that was published for a period of four and a half years in ‘Poinari’ magazine.

However, the objective behind this project, he said was to bring about awareness about Konkani and its rich culture. The plot of the series hovers around a family episode and every episode has suspense and a moral for life.

A laudable venture by this team, the serial is sure to go a long way in spreading awareness on Konkani.

 An added feature is that a successful attempt has been made to bring in 18 dialects of Konkani language.

It was during one of the shoots of the film, which began in Apr 05, that Konkani lost its great son Mick Max. The late Mick Max fell ill during the shoot. However, under the dynamic team of administrative director (Mangalore) Felix J Pinto, and administrative director (Bangalore) Naveen D’Souza, PRO and Marketing Director Geo D’Silva and technical director (pre and post production) Melwyn Mathias, Konkani will see another great effort to take extend the frontiers of Konkani language and culture.

While majority of the shoots were in Mangalore, the crew has scheduled shoots in Chickmaglur, Goa, Mumbai and in Bangalore.

The professional filming unit from Bangalorehas been in action for the first 10 pilot episodes with elaborate planning. With the formal letter of approval from Doordarshan, the TV serial will soon be aired on off prime time on DD Chandana.

 Geo recalled that it took them a prolonged one and a half year to get a slot.

Star cast include Dolphy Saldanha, Jerry Rasquinha, Geo D’Silva, Dr Edward Nazareth, Sheryl, Gretta Rodrigues, Teresa D’Silva and many others. The hero Rickson is accompanied by charming heroin Meghana Bajal. The upcoming artiste Esther Noronha is also made her appearance in the serial along with the other cast of the serial.

 The full serial will have over 200-300 artistes, said Felix adding that a week-long training on expression, modulation and facing the camera was undertaking at Samanvaya Hall here. Konkani speaking artistes have been selected irrespective of caste or religion.

 The title song has been written my Mithr editor Llyod Rego, Taccode while the music has been provided by Viru-Neel.

When asked about the budget for the serial, Felix replied saying that each episode required funds to the tune of Rs 30,000 to 40,000 for which they are on a search for sponsors and advertisers. He also acknowledged the support extended by Fr Muller Hospital and by all the actors who have been giving free service.

 With subtitles in Kannada, the first mega serial is likely to win hearts.