by Hemacharya
Editor-in-chief, Daijiworld Weekly
Mangaluru, Aug 13 : Well known Konkani playwright Henry D’Silva Suratkal, in the late seventies has consistently presented many successful Konkani plays on Bombay’s Konkani stage. He was the amateur producer who raised eyebrows of Konkani film lovers by producing the first super hit video film ‘Kazara Uprath’ almost thirty years ago. Performing Arts is his passion. His great love for his mother tongue and his passion towards performing arts has prompted him to produce the newest Konkani film, Noshibaso Khel, which I believe is the best among all the Konkani films produced so far be it by Goans or Mangaloreans in any part of the world.
The two and half hour film screened to a select audience on August 12 at the historic Prabhat cinema has all the ingredients of a super hit film, even it can be compared to any good film in Kannada, Hindi or such. There is no doubt it will be the trendsetter for a new dimension in Konkani films and through its technical brilliance sets up a benchmark for any enterprising film producer to rise above the expectations of present day audience. Those who had complaints about the technicality and skills in producing a wholesome entertainer, the film directed by the well known Harry Fernandes of Bhojpuri films fame, don’t dampen. All the finer aspects that make a good cinema are explicit in this family oriented film.
The story is set against pristine Coastal backdrop, in Barkur region where a father dies leaving his only daughter Cynthia (played by Ranjitha Lewis) under the care of his trust-worthy maid, Irene (Sujatha Andrade). Irene’s only desire is to see Cynthia married to her only son, Johnson (passionately played by Elton Mascarenhas, a celebrity dancer) who works for a builder in Mumbai.
But the only bone of contention is a crook called Rocky (Clenwin D’Souza), son of her neighbour who she believes is instrumental for the death of Cynthia’s father. Cythia even manages to get them married but it’s the only the beginning of a trouble filled journey.
On the other side of the story, Sophia (Ester Noronha), the beautiful daughter of Johnson’s boss (played by Stany Alvares) falls for him without knowing the fact that he is already married to a girl in accordance to the wishes of his mother.
There is a twist to the story, lot many emotions, and a natural comedy thanks to a brilliant performance by Prince Jacob from Goa in the role of Sheraton. According to him he is a Mango - born to a Goan father and Mangalorean mother. His only wish is to get married in a church in Mangalore, no matter if she is a Goan or Mangalorean. Whether he succeeds in his dream is no issue for he is so engrossed in the family welfare of Sophia, after an accidental death claims her dear father.
Fabulous storyline, beautiful songs and enchanting music, professional dance form and above all, very enchanting locales which contribute immensely to the success of this film. This review may sound incomplete without the mention of soothing background music, flawless cinematography (Shafique Sheikh) and editing, which add value to the whole process. No doubt, the director has equitably amalgamated all the good things in making it a brilliant film.
Among top line actors, although Ester Noronha and Prince Jacob stand a cut above other artistes, in view of their experience in the field, others don’t fall too behind either.
Both Elton and Ranjitha in spite of their debut role have excelled in their acting prowess and who have potential to emerge as the promising artistes. Clenwin D’Souza in a negative role has done full justice to his role, both through his looks and action. Even the artistes who performed small roles have acted spontaneously, e.g. Kishoo Barkur, Denis Monteiro, Alwyn Andrade, etc.
The film keeps you glued to your seat till the last moment as it travels through turns and twists and leaves you craving for more action and comedy when it ends. A wholesome entertainer and a must see, for all the cine-goers, not just the Konkani speaking people in the region.
Although one would struggle to pick flaws in this film, a few minor technicalities prevail, if one watches carefully. For one, among male singers, there was voice variation, at times poor picture quality, which was manually corrected by a technician-on-site, was disturbing. Many people felt that the film is worth watching in a multiplex (instead of an outdated old theatre) where better stereophonic Dolby system and better picture quality add value to a brilliantly made film. In one of the dance sequence, although the dance is portrayed to be held outside the house of the heroine, it is shot ostensibly outside a private auditorium, for the name of the auditorium is quite visible.
Two popular tunes, derived from Marathi movies by the able director are enchanting and well enjoyed by the audience, since – in essence – they are quite closer to Konkani tunes.
‘Noshibaso Khel’, the film that comes to the market and makes its debut after a gap of many years has entirely lived up to the expectations of the people.
Daijiworld, captured the feedback of many audiences while exiting from the theatre. When asked for their score on a 1 – 10 scale many of them gave a score of 8 on an average. This makes the film so far the best in Konkani filmdom.
(Film rating – based on audience feedback – 8 on a 1-10 scale)
Watch feedback from audience :
Watch promo and song teasers on YOUTUBE :
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGS0B6-Zf8WdMHDnJ-m3Ekg_x73srw8s2