Special Correspondent
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network
Mangaluru / Mumbai, Nov 24 : Inspired by a series of Tulu movies hitting theatres week after week, Konkani filmdom too is set to create a new record with almost three Konkani movies on the sets, shooting simultaneously in Mangaluru and other surrounding places. This is indeed rare, considering that no Konkani movie has hit the silver screen in the past four years, the last being 'Ujwadu' in 2011.
Now the entry of Bollywood/ Bhojpuri / Marathi movie director into Konkani film industry has suddenly created waves, and given glimpses of new hope to Konkani movie lovers all around the world. Harry Fernandes, who has one Hindi and seven Bhojpuri hit movies including an award-winning one, and one Marathi movie to his credit, has been encouraged by Henry D'Silva, who is familiar to Konkani theatre lovers through his eight stage plays including 'Kazara Uprath', a super hit play, the video of which was later released in 1986. The Henry - Harry duo has already completed 90% of the shooting for 'Noshibacho Khell' in Barkur and Mangaluru. The remaining part of the shooting is currently taking place in Mumbai.
The cast itself speaks the quality of the movie, with all the major roles being played by experienced actors of the industry. Ester Noronha, the Mangalurean sensation who has already completed eight movies, with four of them already released, plays a major role. Incidentally, she is one of the rare artistes from Mangaluru featuring in Konkani, Tulu, and Kannada movies. Her Tulu movie 'Jugari', has completed shooting, and her list of releases include Kannada movie 'Usirigintha..', Telugu movies '1000 Abaddalu' and 'Bheemavaram Bullodu' and Hindi movie ‘Qayamat Hi Qayamat’.
"I was looking forward to act in Konkani, because it is my mother tongue. I got a few offers earlier, but they were not upto my expectations. When Harry Fernandes, a Bollywood film director, offered me a lead role, I did not look back. It's great to work with him and the co-stars. I feel this movie is going to be in Bollywood style, and truly a trendsetter for other Konkani movies," she told daijiwold during her shooting at Bondel church, which is located opposite Daijiworld corporate office and TV studio.
She is performing the lead role, opposite Elton Mascarenhas, who is known to be one of the finest choreographers, having already made a name in 'Nach Baliye', 'Dance India Dance' and other top shows on national television channels.
"Harry Fernandes, the director, has identified the actor in me, and I am excited to play the lead role. This is a tremendous experience for me. I am learning a lot from this movie," said Elton.
Prince Jacob, the comedy sensation from Goa, is a well-known name in Konkani theatre and movie industry. With his humble nature and unmatched acting talent, he has impressed many and inspired the entire team. A radio RJ by profession in Goa, Prince spends a lots of time on movies and theatres. "I have taken 10 days off from my work. It is a wonderful experience to work with the young team of 'Noshibacho Khell' here. Looking at the shooting atmosphere and experience, I already feel, this movie is going to make a big name in Konkani filmdom," said Prince.
Ranjitha Lewis, a newcomer, is making her debut in the second lead role in the movie. Clenwin Dsouza, a Kalakul trained actor performing negative role.
Alwyn Andrade, Sujatha Andrade, Stany Alvares, and Arun Raj Rodrigues who have plenty of experience in Konkani theatre are playing other important roles.
Well know bollywod cameraman Shafique Sheikh is working behind the camera.
Producer Henry D'Silva, who has taken the risk of producing a Konkani movie says, "I do not expect any profit from this movie, but it was my desire to produce a movie and do something for Konkani cinema. When Harry Fernandes willingly accepted my idea, it boosted my confidence. The story is something different from other usual movies. Music is also different from the traditional Konkani songs. I know, in theatres Konkani movies won't run for long, but a few shows will surely boost our confidence.
"After the muhurat news was published on daijiworld, I got quite a few calls from abroad enquiring about the movie, and people from UK, Australia, Canada, Gulf, and many other parts of the world requested me to premiere the movie there and extended their support. This gives me tremendous confidence. The buzz is already created, and I think we will have a very good professional movie in Konkani," Henry said.
Harry Fernandes, who is a native of Barkur but is fluent in Hindi, Bhojpuri and Marathi says, "Though I have directed movies in eight different language, this Konkani movie gives me great satisfaction. Hhere people recognize me as their own man. The fun I get in directing Konkani movie is completely different. We have got a very good crew from Mumbai, and the best possible artistes. People have lots of expectation from us, and hopefully, we will come up with the best for the people."
The movie is expected to released during March-April, 2016.
Daijiworld is the official media partner for the movie.
For distribution, and other details contact Henry Dsilva - 0091-9820625113 or Harry Fernandes - 0091-9322605053
Watch interview with Producer and director (Live Konkani talk show on Daijiworld 24X7 tv):