Media Release
Doha, Jun 22: Goan Welfare Association recently screened the award winning Konkani film Nachom-ia-Kumpasar for the second time, due to popular demand by the Konkani speaking audience.
The film that is still running houseful in Goa, India received the same kind of treatment here in Doha as the Asian Town Theatre was packed to full capacity. The repeat show provided the audience yet another opportunity to witness this theatrical marvel. The premiere of the film that released late last year, was held on November 28 at Royal Plaza Cinema in Doha.
The film Nachom-ia Kumpasar is touted to be the best that Konkani cinema has seen in the last decade and is still running houseful in Goa. The film has also bagged three national awards for the best Konkani film, best production design and a special mention for Palomi Ghosh at the 62nd National Film Awards, in New Delhi, recently.
The film is directed by Bardroy Barretto and stars Vijay Maurya and Palomi Ghosh in the lead roles. The film was produced by Angelo Braganza of Goa Folklore Productions. Ronnie Monserrate and Jackson Pereira scored the music. Goan singer Cielda Pereira is credited with the vocals for most of the songs in the film. All the main songs are performed live to introduce an authentic touch to the musical setting.
The film features well-known as well as first-time actors from Goa, namely comedian Natto, Prince Jacob, John D'silva, Samy Braganza, comedian Kenny, Selwyn Braganza, Roy Menezes, Abdonio, Meena Leitao, Mathew Araujo, Meenacshi Martins, Carmo Santos and Roque Lazarus among others.
Music plays a major role in the life of every Goan and the film celebrates this with 20 timeless songs from the golden era of the '60s and '70s, originally written by stalwart Chris Perry and sung by Goa's nightingale Lorna Cordeiro. The film is the directors tribute to the unsung music heroes of that era who worked in Bollywood and at the same time used to play in jazz clubs in Mumbai as well as other parts of India.
Director Bardroy Barretto said, “I also wanted to pay tribute to Goan musicians from the glory days, such as Anthony Gonsalves, Chic Chocolate, Leslie Godinho, Manuel Alphonso, Frank Fernand and so many others. These musicians certainly did not get their due.”
The film that saw a houseful was much appreciated by young and old alike from the story to the costumes.
Producing a film requires a big budget and unlike Hindi cinema, Konkani cinema does not have a big market, which left the director in a quandary. Barretto said, “We were looking for investors but were turned down but a lot of Goan NRI’s came to our rescue. They helped in the transit of the movie from production to marketing. I take this opportunity to thank Doha based co-producers of the film, Olwen Pinto, Joaquim Barretto and Simon D’silva.”
The film today is a mega success and is being screened to anticipating audiences across the globe. Though the film has still not recovered the investment, Bardroy is certain that it will happen in the future. Since people are coming back to the theatres to watch the film over and over again. During the intermission the co-producers along with the director were presented with flowers as a token of appreciation.
Simon D’silva said, “We were surprised by the turn out, a lot of people told us that this was the third time they were watching the film and we were so pleased that the film is doing so well.”
The ceremony was compeered by Mathew Estrocio. On behalf of the GWA, Mathew Estrocio thanked the main sponsor Expat Properties, Glorio Fernandes for the sound, John DeSa for his support and to all those who contributed to make the show a grand success. Simon D’silva also thanked his committee members for their usual support and dedication. Simon D’silva conveyed a message to the audience, saying Bardroy Barretto expressed that six months back the movie was his baby and today with all the support and appreciation it has received from different corners of the globe, the movie has grown bigger and bigger than he anticipated. He said that today the movie belongs to each and every Goan. Bardroy is very much thankful to the people of Doha, from where it started six months back, after Doha screened the inaugural show of the movie.