Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Apr 3: The audio of the much-awaited mega-budget Konkani movie 'Ek Aslyar Ek Na', produced by Dubai-based NRI entrepreneur and producer Frank Fernandes under the banner of his Ferns Movie International, was released in a befitting ceremony at Don Bosco hall here on Sunday April 3.
Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza released the audio CD of the movie, while Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo unveiled the movie poster and managing director of Dubai's Ivory Grand Hotel Michael D'Souza launched the trailer of the movie.
Producer of the movie Frank Fernandes welcomed the gathering and said, "Our city has a big number of youngsters and children from our community. But most of them are not interested in activities that promote Konkani movies and language. I request parents to encourage children to watch this movie, so that it would give a fillip to produce more movies in Konkani. We are not interested in making money from this movie, our main aim is to protect, promote and do something good for our mother tongue."
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza said, "Frank Fernandes has produced another movie in order to preserve and encourage Konkani language. I congratulate him on behalf of each one of us present here. He has
taken a laudable step and put in much effort to protect and promote Konkani language. All of us need to support his movie, only then can Konkani cinema and language win. We should have love towards our mother tongue. It is good to learn many languages but that does not mean we should forget our own language. I appreciate the efforts of Frank Fernandes in producing a movie with his own investment with the sole aim of promoting Konkani language."
MLA J R Lobo said, "There are two types of people. One, those who invest with the intention to earn profit, and two, those who invest for a cause without expecting profit. Frank Fernandes belongs to the second category. I have noticed people who live abroad have great love towards their motherland and are contributing in one or the other way. I would like to thank each one of them on this occasion. I appreciate Frank Fernandes' efforts in producing a movie in Konkani. I congratulate all the people who have contributed in producing this movie."
Renowned Konkani activist Eric Ozario said, "I thank the organisers for inviting me to this programme. Producing a Konkani is a very big challenge. Many Konkani movies have been produced in Goa, but the problem is Goans do not watch Mangalurean movies and Mangalureans do not watch a Goan movie. On the whole, we have been distributed as islands. Hence, there is a need for all the Konkani speaking people to support this movie. I congradulate and wish all success to this film."
Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy president Roy Castelino said, "Frank Fernandes has given us another Konkani movie. We need people like Frank who support and encourage Konkani language. I wish all success to Frank Fernandes and his team. I wish this movie becomes a beacon for the Konkani film industry and hope that many more Konkani movies are produced in the coming days."
Members of the production team were honoured. Boys Zone dance team performed on the occasion.
Lead actress Priya Menezes, lead actor and director of the movie Pradeep Barboza, Francis Rasquinha, Vijay Kumar Shetty and others were present.
'Ek Aslyar Ek Na', touted as the first mega budget Konkani movie, will premiere on May 6. With excellent direction, an experienced technical team, interesting storyline and top notch performances from the best Konkani actors of today, 'Ek Aslyar Ek Na' is expected to set a new trend in Konkani film industry. Frank Fernandes, apart from producing the movie, also the plays the part of a police inspector. Director Pradeep Barboza plays the main character, and has also written the storyline and dialogues for the movie. Television presenter and singer, Priya Menezes Hospet, Deepak Paladka of 'Nirel' movie fame, Alphons Moodubelle, Memori trio Melwyn, Richard and Jerome, Allwyn Danthy Pernal of 'Ami Dhogi Sezara' Daijiworld TV show, Prathap Hospet, John D’Silva Goa, Lavina Gomes, Claud D’Lima, Andrew D’Souza, Lucy Aranha Kuwait, Rons London, Gladys Menezes Hospet, Joseph Mathias, Arun, Allwyn Andrade, Clare Rodrigues, Melreena Hospet, Avith Barboza, Shaan Mangalore and Godwin Castelino Karkal have played significant roles in this movie.
Kishore Moodbidri and Stany Bela are the assistant directors of the movie. The cinematography is by ace cinematographer D Shashikumar, who has immense experience in Bollywood and regional cinema. Production supervisor is Alphons Moodubelle while production coordinator is Rajesh Kudla. Stunt direction is by Mass Maada and the dances have been choreographed by Akul, Girish and Rajesh Brahmavar.