Goan filmmakers braving risks to tell local stories, says CM

Goa Khabar : Unlike Hollywood, Bollywood, and Tollywood, where films are measured by their turnover and returns, Goan film producers have no such luxury and take huge risks in making movies to ensure their stories reach the audience, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

He was speaking at the premiere and inaugural of the Konkani feature film ‘Umesh’ at Maquinez Palace, Panaji, on Friday. The film has been produced by Mr. Gurunath Atmaram Patade under the banner of Guru & Associates Productions.

Also present were guest of honour and former BCCI Joint Secretary Rohan Gauns Desai, Chairman of Rajiv Kala Mandir, Ponda, Ritesh Naik, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Vice Chairperson Delilah Lobo, film producer Gurunath Atmaram Patade, and director Vardhan Vijaykumar Kamat.

Extending his best wishes to the producers, directors, cast, and crew of the film—which he described as a ‘uniquely Goan story’—Sawant said that the film will now be screened across the globe, bringing Goans together in a sense of community and a shared narrative. The Chief Minister also assured the team of his unstinting support going forward.

“Umesh is a uniquely Goan story and this is their effort to bring it to the screen. Bollywood, Hollywood, and Tollywood see how much turnover a film can make and what returns they will get. Here, there are no returns. There is a lot of risk, but yet the producer commits money because Goa’s story needs to be told and people need to know it, so that the Konkani language is spread and reaches people,” Sawant said.

“The producer often doesn’t even look at how much money he can expect from the Government of Goa when drawing up a Konkani film, yet he commits the funds. The ESG has been supporting movies made in Konkani and Marathi in Goa through competitions and other initiatives. Goans in Goa and around the world want to watch Konkani films and they will support them. Another dream of Swayampurna Goem is being fulfilled through this Konkani film. I wish the directors, actors, and everyone success and hope you will get the support of the people of Goa, both here and across the world. Whatever help you need from the government, we will provide,” he added.

In his address, Desai said that in today’s digital world, there needs to be a mix of stage performers and influencers.

“We are seeing that some actors in the film are social media influencers. When it comes to these influencers and artistes, their first stage performance may be on YouTube while they have their fanbase on Instagram, but this is overtaken when they reach the big screen,” he said.

“A lot of opportunities are being created in the social media world. Influencers have a good opportunity to take their talent forward through films and take Konkani to a higher level across the world. Konkani is our ‘mai bhas’ and it carries emotions. Ever since the Portuguese era, Konkani has survived due to our people and its lovers. I congratulate the team for taking up this courageous effort in making the film and spreading the language,” he said.

Expressing happiness over the film’s release, Naik noted that portions of the film were shot at PES College, Ponda.

“I am happy that Guru has produced this film, Umesh. We have been friends for a long time. I am glad that young artistes have been given a platform. Ponda is known as the land of artistes. The government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, has been supporting Konkani and Marathi films,” he said.

Lobo extended her best wishes to the director, producer, and the entire team, and appealed to Goans to watch the movie.

Speaking to the audience, Kamat said: “I had started believing in the thought that filmmaking is easy, but making a film is difficult. The success of the film goes to my team, who have been working tirelessly since October 2024. I thank the ESG and their entire staff for their support, as well as the CM, Desai, and the producer.”