Report: Shodhan Prasad

Photos: Sunil Pinto

Abu Dhabi, Jan 29: ‘Sophiya’, the super hit Konkani movie which had two successful and houseful shows in Dubai did a hat-trick of houseful shows with a crowded show in Abu Dhabi on January 26.

Konkani movie lovers in Abu Dhabi flocked to the theatre very much in advance before the show and were waited to have a glimpse of actress Ester Noronha. It was a tremendous response from Konkani audience in Novo Cinemas, World Trade Centre, Abu Dhabi.

Shodhan Prasad welcomed the audience and the guests at the inauguration. He briefed everyone on the success of ‘Sophiya’ wherever it was released and mentioned that a share of the collection the film did in Israel was handed over to a charity organization in Mangaluru. He also shared that Janet Noronha is the first women producer in Konkani movies and ‘Sophiya’ is her first production which she ventured as a part of her Konkani language promotion. Shodhan further thanked all the well-wishers including Clarence Cornell of Globelink West Star Shipping who supported the Abu Dhabi show. He also thanked Cynthia D’Cunha who has taken the lead in distributing tickets in Abu Dhabi.

Guests Ronald Pinto of Hysna International, Sudhir Shetty of UAE Exchange, Leo Rodrigues of Clevy Al Mazroui Group, Richard Castelino, Cynthia Dcunha of Sanipex Group, Ester and Janet Noronha inaugurated the show with the lighting of lamp while the whole audience cheered up. Ronald Pinto in his inaugural speech briefed on the difficulties of producing and distributing a movie that too in Konkani which has a small market. Unless people of the community voluntarily come forward and support the producers, they will not be able to cover the cost entrusted for our own entertainment, he added. He said that he is more than happy to watch ‘Sophiya’ again even after watching it during the Dubai grand release recently.

Sudhir Shetty also spoke on the occasion and said, “There are many movies from our own Tulunadu being produced and presented. Konkani movies have shown positive signs with many releases in recent times.” While wishing producer Janet Noronha and actress Ester Noronha for their effort, he also wished them good luck to produce more movies in near future.

Later on behalf of Janet Noronha, actress Ester Noronha spoke in Konkani and thanked the audience for their whole hearted support. She said that their blessings and well wishes have really gifted her with fame where she is now. Through your good deeds to the community, you will always be blessed by almighty, she added. Multitalented daughter of Janet Noronha, Ester has for her credit various successful movies in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Konkani and Tulu.

After the show, Ester took out time to click pictures with the audience and fans.

The show in Sharjah is on February 2 at 4 pm in Novo Cinemas, Mega Mall. Cynthia Goveas, another strong Konkani supporter in Sharjah has voluntarily taken over the responsibility to successfully conclude a houseful show there. Patron of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, Mark Denis and the famous compere Uttam Menezes have come forward to support the Sharjah show of ‘Sophiya’.

There are plans to host one show in Mussafah and one more show in Al Ain as the Konkani church group leaders in these areas are approaching the distributors continuously. Dates of these shows are not yet finalized and will be done once theaters are available.

More shows are in the pipeline and will be arranged through the distributors Sandhya Creations. Any Konkani Association or persons supporting their mother tongue and willing to do a special screening can contact either the producer or the distributor.

For more information, contact Shodhan Prasad of Sandhya Creations on +971 52 5569786

For tickets in Sharjah one can contact:

Cynthia Goveas – 050 6459054
Sandhya Prasad – 050 1273781
SonuBantwal - 055 7345587
Uttam Menezes – 050 1719001
Ronald Machado - 055 2849371
Adrian Melroy – 050 3540834
Lily D Almeida – 050 4553321
Janet Noronha – 056 7903418

Online booking can be done by clicking the link here:-https://goo.gl/forms/dxUYzmRAgYegiFVc2