Pics: Sonu Bantwal

News: Shodhan Prasad

Dubai, Jan 21: ‘Sophiya’, a super hit Konkani movie produced under the banner ‘Janet Noronha Productions’ and distributed by Sandhya Creations witnessed two houseful shows on January 19 at Galleria Cinemas in Hyatt Regency, Dubai.

As expected, the tickets got sold out much ahead of the screening and many fans returned home without getting an opportunity to watch the movie. Organizers assured them of additional shows of which details would be revealed soon. Two more shows in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have been planned where more than 70% of the booking is confirmed and sold. Two shows are also being planned in Mussafah and Al Ain.

‘Sophiya’ fans assembled outside in large numbers near the theater much ahead of the time and were eagerly waiting for the show to begin. Actress Esther Noronha and producer Janet Noronha who arrived at the premiere were escorted into the premises where other guests were waiting.

Inauguration with ribbon cutting was held at the entrance of the theatre jointly by well-known NRI businessman and philanthropist Ronald Colaco and Fr Robert Lasrado of St Mary’s Church Dubai, while all other guests cheered and entered the hall.

Shodhan Prasad of Sandhya Creations, distributor of the film, welcomed the guests, audience and thanked for their whole hearted support in making ‘Sophiya’ a hit with houseful shows in Dubai. He then briefed on the film which is directed by Bollywood and Bhojpuri films’ ace director Harry Fernandes and announced that ‘Sophiya’ ran successfully for 50 days in Mangaluru and was also screened successfully in Israel, London and other parts of Mumbai.

He then invited the guests to be part of the proceedings of the formal function and welcomed Ronald Colaco, Fr Robert Lasrado, Fr Maxim Cardoza from Jebel Ali Church followed by businessman Ronald Pinto (Sponsor), Lawrence Paul, Valerian Pereira, Ivan Fernandes, Michael D’Souza, Raju Francis Fernandes (whose representative presented a beautiful portrait of Esther Noronha), Frank Fernandes, president, Tulunadochaya, and producer and businessman Santosh Pereira. Lily and Roystan Balkunje, from team ‘Sophiya’ were honoured for being part of the celebration.

He then introduced multi-lingual actress Esther Noronha who has earned a good name in Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi films. He then introduced the first ever female producer of Konkani movies Janet Noronha who has put all her efforts in making ‘Sophiya’ a super hit film for the Konkani community.

Fr Robert, Fr Maxim and all the guests inaugurated the premier show with the lighting of the traditional lamp followed by prayer by Fr Robert and Fr Maxim who blessed the occasion and said that all the community members should support such initiatives taken by our own people and see that our mother tongue and our tradition is being promoted to keep it alive for our future generations to come.

On behalf of all the guests, Ronald Colaco spoke and in detail explained to the audience of the difficulties involved in film production, presentation and distribution in all levels and that people need to understand that there are a lot of problems involved in this process. He also stressed that our community should come forward and support those people whole heartedly who take such initiatives in promoting our language and culture, so that more and more people in the community come forward and take up this risk for the sake of saving our community’s existence.

Actress Esther Noronha spoke on behalf of Janet Noronha and thanked all her fans and audience for making ‘Sophiya’ a super hit film.

The second show was exclusively sponsored by Martin Aranha of Globelink West Star Shipping Company whose entire staff flocked in the theatre much ahead of the show and showed support. The entire theatre was filled up with Globelink West Star Shipping Staff and families. Shodhan Prasad, just before the screening, thanked managing director Martin Aranha for supporting such an event and also thanked senior staff Sandra and Lavina Fernandes for taking responsibility of distributing the invitation.

Sonu Bantwal, Sameer Bolar, Ajay Nayak and others volunteered the entire programme.