Mangalore: 'Ujwaadu' Brings Breath of Fresh Air to Konkani Cinema
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Oct 14: It was a historic moment for regional cinema as 'Ujwaadu', the first full-fledged GSB Konkani movie made in the last 35 years in Mangalore, hit the silver screen at Big Cinemas here on Friday October 14 at 4 pm.
The movie has been directed by Kasargod Chinna, the president of Konkani Sahitya Academy.
So far, only seven full-fledged movies have been made in Karnataka-Konkani, of which two were of the GSB Konkani. The movie 'Ujwaadu' focusses on the culture, traditions and drawbacks of the GSB community. The movie was made at a cost of Rs 45 lac and was completed in 100 days.
Before the premiere, the programme was formally inaugurated by lighting the lamp. Deputy speaker Yogish Bhat, mayor Praveen, Taranga Weekly editor Sandhya S Pai, Sadashiva Brahmavar and Meera Padiyar were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Kasargod Chinna said that he was overwhelmed by the response for the movie. "It is heartening to note that people are accepting movies in the regional language," he said.
The star cast in the movie Shivadwaj, Neethu, national awardee Umashree, Sandhya S Pai among other theatre artistes have given their best, he said. Already, 25,000 audio CDs of the movie have reached the people.
The movie has its screenplay and story by Gopalakrishna Pai, music by V Manohar, and songs rendered by Puttur Narasimha Nayak, Shankar Shaunbaug and Seema Raykar. Bhadragiri Achyuthadas and Jayanth Kaikini also provided music.
Uthpal Nainar’s camera work has been appreciated by all. The movie was shot in 18 days in Karkala and surrounding region. 'Ujwaadu' has been rated U-certificate and is 100 percent tax free.
The tickets of the movie are already sold out for the first two days.