Gerry D’Mello

Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto

Toronto, Jun 23: Super hit Konkani movie ‘Noshibacho Khell’ was released in the city of Toronto on Sunday June 18 at the renowned Albion Theatre. The much awaited movie hit the screen under the banner of three leading associations: Konkans of Toronto (KOT), Canara World Foundation (CWF) and Canadian Canara Vision (CCVI). The spirit of Konkani movie lovers remained high despite various attractions in town. Konkani’s sensational blockbuster witnessed a great gathering and has already broken all previous records in terms of collection as well as popularity and quality.

Completing 50 grand shows in the coastal region within nine days of release, the movie continues to gain popularity day after day. This kind of love for Konkani movie has never been seen before in any part of the world. Praises have been pouring in for the movie from all corners.

Flavian Pinto, the Radio Mango Award winner and one of the esteemed Konkani personalities in Canada, on behalf of all the associations, welcomed the guests and gave the introduction of the movie 'Noshibacho Khell'. He said, "So far in the history of Konkani cinema, 47 movies have been produced over the last 67 years, the first being 'Mogacho Anvddo' produced in 1950. Out of 47 movies, 37 have been produced by Goans and 10 by Mangalureans. It is interesting to note that in the past 18 months 11 movies have been produced by Goans and Mangalureans. This shows the evolution of Konkani movie. However, so far we remember only five movies: Amche Noxib, Nirmone, Oh Maria and Nosoya Kumpasar. Noshibacho Khell is of a high standard and will be the latest and the fifth movie that will be remembered by Konkani cinema lovers for a long time.

Max Mendes, president of Canara World Foundation (CWC) in his vote of thanks expressed that screening of the movie in Canada was possible due to the concerted efforts of three leading associations: Konkans of Toronto (KOT), Canara World Foundation (CWF) and Canadian Canara Vision (CCVI). He also apologised to the community for postponing the screening date of the movie due to unavoidable circumstances. He profusely thanked the audience for their understanding and support.

Well known Konkani playwright Henry D’Silva Suratkal, in the late seventies has consistently presented many successful Konkani plays on Mumbai’s Konkani stage. He was the amateur producer who raised the eyebrows of the 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 toward performing arts has prompted him to produce the latest Konkani film, Noshibacho Khell, which he believes is the best among all Konkani films produced so far be it by Goans or Mangalureans in any part of the world.

The two and a half hour film screened to a great audience on June 18 at the Canadian Albion Cinema has all the ingredients of a super hit film. It can even be compared to any good film in Kannada, Hindi or such. There is no doubt it will be a 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, do not dampen. All the finer aspects that make a good cinema are explicit in this family oriented film.

The feedback was very positive and encouraging. The audience gave positive reviews about the movie and also complemented the associations for promoting the culture and language in Canada. They also expressed their strong desire to screen more such Konkani movies here. Based on the encouragement received from the audience the above associations will certainly venture to bring in more Konkani movies.

All the three associations, KOT, CWF and CCVI are thankful to their media partners, Daijiworld and Radio Mango for giving wide publicity for the screening of the movie.