News: Shodhan Prasad
Pics: Sonu Bantwal
Dubai, Dec 18: 'Sophiya', super hit Konkani movie produced by Janet Noronha Productions and directed by Bollywood and Bhojpuri ace director Harry Fernandes staring multi-lingual actress Esther Noronha, Elton Mascarenhas and Sheton Crasta is all set to hit UAE theaters on January 19 and 26 with shows across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain.
In preparation for the above, a ticket release function was held on December 17 at Winny’s Restaurant, Karama, Dubai at 7.30 pm attended by many Konkani and Tulu movie fans. Priest of St Mary’s Church Dubai, Fr Robert Lasrado was the chief guest along with singer, actor Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight, Mark Denis, patron of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, producer Janet Noronha and Sandhya’s Creations’ overseas movies distributor Shodhan Prasad.
Compere Uttam Menezes opened up the programme with welcome note and prayer. He then briefed on the recent trend of Konkani movies coming up and requested everyone to support the projects to show our love towards Konkani. He then requested Fr Lasrado to bless the occasion who did the honours and then continued with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the guests on the dais.
Fr Lasrado speaking on the occasion said that everyone should dream of doing something for their community and convert this dream into reality. This is one such effort done by Janet Noronha which others should follow, he said. He also mentioned that Janet had called him and requested him to bless and support her movie. “It is my duty to support all those who do good to their community and mother tongue”, he added and with prayer while concluding his speech he inaugurated and released the tickets and blessed the occasion.
Joseph Mathias, a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, singer and actor of Konkani films in his speech while thanking Janet for her effort also said that he is sad seeing the plight of his fellow Konkani community leaders who otherwise should have been here in the function lending their support but missing to do their duty. He was upset with those community leaders whom he always supported and thought they will also in turn support such events when Konkani is concerned. Konkani is a minority community and if our own people do not come up and support then we cannot blame others for this, he added.
Mark Denis, another successful entrepreneur and patron of the well-known Sharjah Karnataka Sangha in his speech said that we need quality and not quantity. He said that quality people are here in today’s function and that is what we need today. He thanked Shodhan and Deepak for their role in supporting Konkani films in this part of the world and said that these two individuals will always make such events successful. While promising his fullest support for ‘Sophiya’ he also congratulated Janet Noronha for her bold attempt.
The first ever female producer of Konkani films, Janet Noronha briefed on the making of ‘Sophiya’ and all those hardships she had to face in the making. She is happy that her hard work has yielded results with such whole hearted support from various sects of the community wherever the film got released. She also mentioned about the lead heroine, her daughter Ester Noronha in whom she had seen the spark of dancing, singing and acting talents. Janet had to quit her job just to concentrate and support her daughter’s career, the result of which is a multitalented Ester Noronha who has for her credit various successful movies in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Konkani and Tulu and also appreciations for her very many dancing shows worldwide.
Janet also mentioned that ‘Sophiya’, her maiden project is because of her love towards Konkani her mother tongue and also added that the collection from Israel screening of ‘Sophiya’ were handed over to a humanity trust in Udupi adding their contribution to the society.
Well known international comedy star Deepak Paladka along with Sophiya team’s Roystan Balkunje were also present during the function. ‘Sophiya’ is another directorial venture of Harry Fernandes who casted the same lead pair of ‘Sophiya’ in ‘Nashibacho Khel’ released earlier and who is coming up with ‘Zanvoy No. 1’ another Konkani film starring Deepak Paladka.
The programmed was ably conducted by Uttam Menezes who highlighted ‘Sophiya’ and requested everyone to lend their support in making the release successful.
Shodhan Prasad concluded the programme with vote of thanks.
'Sophiya' remains unique out of the many films released this year. The film being a family entertainer is being watched by women and children alike. The story received much praise from all quarters wherever released. A good message is delivered through the film to the audience with a dash of comedy.
With lyrics by Ancy D’Souza Paladka and Harry Fernandes, Sophiya has soulful music composed by Gunwant Sen and sung by Ester Noronha, Anthony Tauro, Gunwant Sen, Dashiel Concessao and Roop Shaa. Beautiful dances were ably choreographed by Dilip Mestry. Picturesque locations were captured by director of photography, Shafeeq Shaikh which was crisply edited by Abhishek Maskar. Action director Sunil Rodigues has done justice to action scenes. With art direction of Wilfred Pinto, the film has classic designer Suraj Ravi and assistant director Roystan Balkunje in the team. The entire movie was capably handled by production manager Satish Brahmavar.
www.daijiworld.com is the Official web partner of Konkani Movie ‘Sophiya’.
For more information you may contact Shodhan Prasad of Sandhya Creations on +971 52 5569786
For tickets contact:
Dubai: Janet Noronha 056 7903418, Alwyn Pinto 050 4583930, Shodhan Prasad 052 5569786
Abu Dhabi: Cynthia D’Cunha 050 4467816, SonuBantwal 055 7345587, Lydia 050 5710009
Sharjah: Cynthia Goveas 050 6459054, Sandhya 050 1273781, Jyothi 050 3519432
Watch below the teaser of ‘Sophiya’:
https://www.facebook.com/uzwad.konkani/videos/1686456481405452/?hc_ref=ARTEgsYjhg122j5acZw46kX1GmFYzoVK7Mp5PSZKvQHh2b_OwJQnwQKhlcVVqaQeY18&pnref=story.unseen-section
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC0h2kLoMu4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPV3xMg44E4