My write-up on Konkani Cinema which appears in the recent edition of "The Neural View"
The Rise of Konkani Cinema Konkani Films are coming of age …. More Filmmakers are now producing good Konkani Cinema …. More Goans especially those from the majority community need to explore and patronise these films …. A couple of days back, on April 24, Goa celebrated the Konkani cinema Day. On the Social media, Historian Prajal Sakhardande reminded us of the significance of this day. “HISTORY: Today in History: The First Konkani Film ‘Mogacho Aunddo’ was released on 24th April 1950 in the Dashrath cinema in Mapusa. It was produced directed and acted by Al Jerry Braganza. The film’s female lead was played by Ms Lina Fernandes. She lives in Bombay now.#pioneering effort #Konkani amchi maibhas #”, wrote Prajal on his Facebook Wall. Cinema is a popular form of entertainment. For an amount ranging from a meagre Rs 100/- to 200/- depending on the kind of theatre you go in, one can watch a good film and spend a couple of hours to escape from the monotony or the routine schedule of life. Compared to Hindi or Marathi Film Industries or its regional counterparts, many consider Konkani Cinema to be still in its infant stages. To a certain extent true because very few Konkani movies have been made and released. While “Mogacho Aunddo” was made when the Portuguese ruled Goa, it took a whole 13 years more for our State to have its second feature Film, “Amchen Noxib”, which was released post Goa’s Liberation, followed by another Film three years later, “Nirmonn”. These two movies, “Amchen Noxib” and “Nirmonn” are considered as evergreen classics of Konkani Cinema. Frank Fernand was the producer and music director of both these movies which became hugely popular. The film “Nirmonn” won two National Awards to bring Konkani cinema into National limelight. The songs of these two movies, composed by Frank himself, have cast a magic spell on the masses for their original compositions, rhythm and beautiful tunes. The versatility of this music is such that even today, you will see these songs being heard over and over again, almost in every single Goan home, or at musical shows or weddings. In the 60s and 70s, though Konkani movies came sparingly, the overall quality of production was considerably good, says Raimundo Fernandes who’s been associated in the promotion of Konkani Cinema for last many years. “The music, dialogues, screenplay, acting and crew which were there in the movies of those times was considerably of high standards. These movies were well made. They had a good script. Though many of us watched them many years after their release, they were still enjoyable and memorable. Even the new Nirmonn which was remade could not match the beauty of the previous one. ‘Bogland’ was the last of the good films which came during that golden period, followed by a dull period for Konkani cinema,” says Raimundo for whom Konkani cinema is a passion. Raimundo, who runs the popular eatery “Rilassi” at Corte de Oitero, 31st January Road, Panjim, where tickets of Konkani movies are kept on sale, goes on to share a few more of his thoughts. “In the 80s, when Televisions and Video Casette Recorder (VCR) players started entering Goan homes, many producers started making Video Films. However, these films were not of the same standards and lacked the same passion which was seen in the movies of the earlier era. Movies were not made for the bigger screens. The Konkani Industry suffered immensely during this period till around the turn of the century when Goa became host to the International Film Festival. Then, we witnessed a few new age directors like Rajendra Talak and Dnyanesh Moghe who emerged and brought a turnaround. Konkani Films once again started breathing life. Today a lot of good Konkani films are being made,” said Raimundo with a sense of optimism. As a fan of cinema, it is a happy feeling to see a lot of good Konkani movies coming up today. Aleesha, Antarnad, Paltadcho manis, O Maria, Baga Beach, Home Sweet Home, Nachom-ia Kumpasar and K Sera Sera to name a few are some of the movies which I've seen and pretty much enjoyed watching. These films have done well at the Box office with Konkani fans appreciating the quality the films have to offer. Post 2004 have been kind of milepost years in the annals of Konkani cinema. While many of these Films have won National Awards, few have won internationally acclaim and recognition also. “Paltadacho Munis”, directed by Laxmikant Shetgaonkar, won the prize of the International Federation of Film Critics at the Toronto International Film Festival and has been included in the world’s best films of 2009 list. “Nachom-ia Kumpasar”, a musical based on the life of Goa’s nightingale Lorna, achieved the historic feat of making it to the Oscar Shortlist and has won an unprecedented 37 National and International Awards. Goans have been watching this particular movie n number of times. “Juze”, a new and acclaimed Konkani film, premiered at the Hong Kong International Film Festival recently and has won the Special Jury prize at the MINSK International Film Festival. There has been just one screening of this movie so far in Goa but those who’ve watched it have given amazing reviews and feedback which is yet another positive sign for the Industry. Some challenges however continue to persist for the Konkani cinema Industry which needs to be addressed. Since the markets are small, making these films commercially viable and profitable is a huge challenge. The audiences who come to watch Konkani movies are still predominantly the Catholic - Christian community whereas the majority Hindu community which has been accustomed to watching Marathi and Hindi movies comprises only a small percentage of the audience. This could be because of the Tiatr culture which is there among the Catholics. At every church fete or festival, the church or the parish committees promote tiatr whereas there is no such similar culture prevalent among Hindus. For Catholics a Konkani movie or a tiatr is a good source of entertainment whereas Hindus who are more accustomed to watching Marathi or Hindi movies will not venture out to watch a Konkani movie. Perhaps due to the lack of a culture or a belief that the Konkani movie might not be of the same standards which is not true at all as a lot of good quality productions are coming out these days. Many of the producers are making good Konkani movies today more out of passion than the commercial angle. But for Konkani cinema to keep growing and prospering, more Goans need to start patronising these films, especially those from the majority community who tend to stay away. Many still do not know that nowadays, Konkani movies are also well made. Those who watch the movies have appreciated the quality and then go out to patronise Konkani Films again. These habits need to catch on with the others. We have registered as delegates for IFFI Festivals and have watched movies in many different languages. For a cinema buff, language should not matter. The script and the quality of production should. Though Konkani movies are made at much lower budgets, however, over the years, there has been substantial improvement in the quality of these films and if we want to keep the Industry flourishing, we need to patronise and appreciate the good cinema which is coming out nowadays. Konkani Film Industry needs every one’s support for it to reach greater heights. The next Konkani Film might just be better than the last released mindless Salman Khan Flick. Konkani filmmakers are creating meaningful entertainment which will give you two wholesome hours of pleasure and delight. The films are rich in content and are making waves globally. Just step out to watch such movies and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. - Sandeep Heble (Ph -9326129171, email: [email protected])
