Henry D'Silva's Konkani Film 'Nashibacho Khell' Breaks New Ground To Celebrate 400 Shows Within A Year

He may have suspected he had a hit on his hands, but little did he know that within the year it would reach 400 shows - It is slated to celebrate its 400th show within a year of its release in London. A proud moment for its producer, Henry D’Silva, a Mangalorean by birth and a Mumbaikar by domicile as it is for all Mangaloreans. Henry D’Silva spoke exclusively to Karnataka Today’s managing editor Brian Fernandes on his journey into the film industry.

- Brian Fernandes

Konkani language is spoken mainly in the Indian states of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka and to a smaller extent in Kerala. Konkani films come in three distinct dialects Goan, Southern Saraswat and Mangalorean to cater to those specific linguistic communities and therein lies the dilemma of the Konkani Film industry.

The industry is limited by its fragmented audience and inadequate government support. Despite this there have been nearly 47 films since 1950 which saw the first full length feature film being released in the Goan dialect ‘Mogaso Anvaddo’ by Jerry Braganza. The First Mangalorean dialect full length feature film Mog Ani Moipass came out in 1977 and the industry has not looked back since. Most of the years since then saw a single Konkani film release, but there have been a spate of releases in the last 4 years – 16.

Since Ujwadu, a 2011 Konkani film directed by Kasargod Chinna and produced by KJ Dhananjaya and Anuradha Padiyar there has been no Mangalorean Konkani film until, Henry D’Silva’s ‘Nashibaso Khel’ (Game of fate)

Producer Henry D’Silva, at the time of the release had said, “I do not expect any profit from this movie, but it was my desire to produce a movie and do something for Konkani cinema. When Harry Fernandes willingly accepted my idea, it boosted my confidence. The story is something different from other usual movies. Music is also different from the traditional Konkani songs. I know, in theatres Konkani movies won’t run for long, but a few shows will surely boost our confidence”.