By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait, Jun 8: Once in a blue moon comes a film whose makers have the courage to take up and drive home a theme that is different from standard films and a script that absorbs all genre.
‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’ among any kind of films – Hindi, English or other languages, is extremely exceptional and inimitable. No wonder it bagged 3 honors at the Indian National Film Awards with 2 awards and 1 special mention merit.
The screening in Kuwait was a much awaited one, coming through a long while after the movie was declared a stunning hit. Thanks to Goan Cultural Centre for bringing the film to Kuwait, and the Kuwait government for allowing the screening. Getting a license to screen a film in this part of the world, as everyone knows, is one of the most difficult tasks.
As expected, the film - a nostalgic recreation of the 1960s era, an age that showcased Goa’s musical heritage - left the audience mesmerized.
Awesome star cast
One cannot but have a word of admiration to the lead stars of the film - Vijay Maurya and Palomi Ghosh who played their roles to great perfection. Facial expressions and chemistry between the two was flawless. Palomi was perhaps the perfect choice to play the role with her naïve, sparkling looks - a symbol of youth and maturity.
Veterans John D’silva and Prince Jacob are hardcore actors, their presence in the movie is a proof indeed of their God-given talent. Both stalwarts amused the audience with interesting and witty dialogues. John D’silva was simply super. His one liners were worth every applause; he was precise and expressive. Meenakshi Martins, in the role of mother, was well noted as well.
Director Bardroy Barretto, the brain behind the project, deserves ‘much more special mention’. His detailing was commendable in every frame. He has brought the best out of his star actors, but as a writer could have made the screenplay more animated and a bit emotional given the scenario of the script. Perhaps, the second half was in need of some trimming.
The film has been going great guns ever since its premier last December. However, in terms of finding an international platform, it has so far only been screened in the Middle-East.
Kuwait presentation
Kuwait had 4 shows at the 1000-capacity American International School with the first show held on May 29 for a jam-packed audience.
Tibush Rebello of T-Bush International Films and DJ Mario were in-charge of the technicalities.
A short presentation was held during the intervals of all shows. Special mementos/plaques were presented to Bardroy for the unsurpassed achievement of the movie. John Barretto, Savio Lopes, Simon D'silva, Reaven D'souza, Archie D'mello, Naser Dastani, DJ Mario etc were presented with flower bouquets and plaques.
Kuwait Konknni Mogi (KKM) also presented a special memento to the director at the hands of senior members Salazar Menezes, Gennifer Marshall and Domnic Fernandes.
Savio Lopes spoke on behalf of director Bardroy. Goan Cultural Centre president Carmo Santos, one of the producers of the film, thanked a number of people in his speech.
Sponsors
The show was sponsored by EXPAT Properties, Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co, Kalyan Jewellers, Mushrif Trading and Contr Co, Air India, Jet Airways, Al-Shuwaikh Electrical Co, Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer and Sons, TIMES Premier Weekly News Magazine, YRC-Rising Stars, Indian Bangladeshi Translation and Typing Co, etc.
Versatile Corraine Santos and Domnic Fernandes compered in English and Konkani respectively.
In a colorful souvenir released on the historic occasion, Goan Cultural Centre (GCC) thanked the government of Kuwait and its people, embassy of India to the state of Kuwait, Dr Kamil Al Rayes Theater, Response Media, Reaven D'souza, Agnelo D'costa, Tony Dias, Lawry Pinto, Anthony Aranjo, Gasper Crasto, Gasper Almeida, Aldrin Menezes, DJ Mario, Julio Cardozo and all the organizing team members of GCC.
Special thanks was acknowledged to Arab Times, Kuwait Times and prominent websites that covered the event.