Media Release

Bahrain, Nov 5: The much-awaited Konkani movie ‘Payann’ - a timeless legacy, premiered in Bahrain, screened at Muktha A2 cinema, Juffair Mall, Bahrain, on November 1 under the patronage of the Konkani Community of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manama, Bahrain, led by its convenor Nelson Menezes and spiritual director Fr Darel Fernandes, the organizers.

The highlight of this premiere show adding color and grace to the launchpad of the premiere event was the august presence of yodeling king Melwyn Peris and actor Shaina D’Souza visiting Bahrain specially for the occasion.

As a prelude to the launch, the Konkani Community team organized a crisp stage programme at the Muktha Cinema Hall, anchored by master of ceremonies, Adeline D’Silva to felicitate the visiting guests and bring cheer and nostalgia to Konkani enthusiasts who had gathered with their kith and kin to watch the movie premiered and create Konkani history again in Bahrain.

DJ Francis Lobo spun apt discs tempting the audience to shuffle their feet in musical entertainment. Roshan D’Souza was the official photographer and videographer Reuben D’Souza caught vivid glimpses of the stage program and the applauding audience.

The programme began with MC Adeline welcoming the audience, followed by a wee prayer recited by Aiden Dantis. Elegantly dressed children of team Shining Stars with their typical Bharatanatyam attire danced their way on stage enchanting the audience with a Shayari dance, choreographed by Preetham Acharya. The little dancers were Leonora Lobo, Rheya D’Souza, Michelle Monteiro, Heona D’Almeida, Josvita Nazareth and Neona Elena D’Souza.

Both Melwyn Peris and Shaina D’Souza were presented with a bouquet of flowers by the operations manager of Muktha A2 Cinema, Azhar Shaikh and a remembrance memento honoring their visit to Bahrain. Melwyn Peris addressed the audience remembering his previous visit to Bahrain in May 2024 when he was given the honored title ‘Fearless Peris’ and thanking all his supporters. Shaina D’Souza won the hearts of the Konkani audience gathered for the event with a melodious romantic album song ‘Raaya’ when asked by the MC to sing to the audience.

Sujay Pinto was honored by Melwyn Peris along with the DJ Francis with a bouquet of flowers and memento on the dias for their efforts and contributions towards the launching of the event.

Choral Blendz, a musical group comprising of Konkani Community members Prinson Machado, Teena D’Souza, Anisha D’Souza, Sachitha Fernandes, Charlene Andrade and Deil Bennies on the Keyboard were delighted to present their Konkani album blending with their acapella expertise and finesse.

Another couples dance rendition ‘The Abholina dance’ choreographed by Loyola Martis with three dainty couples serenading on the dias brough some more dance cheer from the audience. The dancers who took part in this dance were Loyola Martis, Anisha D’Souza, Joyce Rodrigues, Anugraha D’Souza, Rolston Peris and Roshan Rodrigues.

Spot prizes of complimentary movie tickets were up for grabs to the audience as MC Adeline put forth general questions on the Payann movie to the audience, generously donated by Muktha Cinemas.

Payann is a Konkani movie that centers around the themes of family, tradition and culture identity in a community. It tells us a moving story that uniquely resonates with the Mangalorean Catholic Community, but its universal themes very well appeal to a broader audience at large. The movie title Payann translates to ‘journey’ which signifies not only physical journeys the characters take but also emotional and spiritual growth. In addition to its cultural richness, Payann offers stunning visuals of coastal Karnataka and includes a memorable soundtrack filled with melodious and traditional Konkani music. The music laced all along the journey of the movie touches every aspect of emotion and reality we face in our life. It has strong character performances, engaging in vivid storylines evoking nostalgia and suspense to the joy and delight of every Konkani enthusiast we could hear some whistling in the theatre at times as the movie rolled.

The Payann movie is written and directed by Joel Pereira, its concept and songs by Melwyn Peris and produced by Neeta Joan Peris. Music is given by Roshan D’Souza Angelore. The cast comprises mainly of actors, Brian Sequeira, Leslie Rego, Kate Pereira, Jasmine D’Souza, Shaina D’Souza, Melisha Pinto, Rynel Sequeira, Walter Nandalike, Gerald Rasquinha, Albert Peris, Alwyn Dantis, Arun D Souza, Denver Peris and Clement Lobo who did every justice to their unique roles. A movie accomplished to every Konkani taste and paraphernalia. Hats off to all those involved!

The Konkani audience enjoyed the evening out as after the movie there was quite some fellowship among all the Konkani brethren. An opportunity to meet good friends in one arena a movie theatre and its precincts. Look forward to many such get-togethers in the future!

Thanks, a heap to the Konkani Community of Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bahrain led by its convenor Nelson Menezes and spiritual director Fr Darel Fernandes.