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One and only….. ‘Konkani Cine-Kala-Samrat’, Shri Harry William Fernandes, Barkur.

In India, Movie world is as thrilling, sensational and interesting…… and equally fascinating are the stories, of the people associated with this industry, a common factor, even if you take any language for that matter. There was a time, only the people making their appearances on the silver screen were adored, passionately loved, their styles copied etc. A common man not aware of the people working behind these visible faces…..Laymen not even aware of playback singers……! Gradually, spread of education, more proximity for news, involvement of common man in this field started highlighting the vital roles of Directors, Producers and the whole film making crew and today the alert film goer first ask, who the director is…?

Konkani film world is really small. From my childhood days, I can only remember few Goan Konkani films like Nirmonn, Amchen Noxib and a pure and rare Mangalorean Product, Mog Ani Moipass. Thereafter either I am not aware or hardly anyone ventured to produce any films….Veteran Director Richard Castelino whose mother tongue though was Konkani, for commercial reasons probably he didn’t dare to take the risk, however his Tulu films always remembered for quality work.

In 1988, there was a super hit drama ‘Kazara Upranth’ which was a roaring success in Mumbai which motivated team Henry DSilva, Suratkal, Sunny A DSouza and Harry Fernandes to venture first ever Konkani Video film released for public viewing in 1989. Since then, we have seen a great urge and determination in Harry Fernandes to do something in his birth place Barkur and for mother tongue Konkani. However time was not ripe in late 80’s and 90’s or Harry didn’t get right people to join hands with and alternatively Harry chose to direct and actively involved in Marathi, Hindi and Bhojpuri  films, also directed many popular serials for TV, acted and directed n number of Drama’s in Mumbai stage.

Being an Indian Railway employee, side by side Harry managed his passion to blossom. It really needs pages to record them over here.

Now coming to the focal point, Harry was waiting for a right opportunity, to do something worth in Konkani film industry. It started with Noshibacho Khell, and naturally all raised eyebrows ‘is it really feasible and possible to make a low budget movie so attractive….?’

This film hit the silver screen with fanfare and as per expectations it was really a super success. The storyline, more than that its screen play, dialogues, melodious songs, natural fight sequences, acting by almost all new faces except pretty Esther Noronha and few, picturization fully outside the studio, choosing few best and beautiful locations from native Coastal lines of Udupi and Mangalore made such an impact on the audience to stand and shout - ‘Harry carry on… we need more….’

A beginning was made and within a year Harry and team was back with ‘Sophia the love story’ with once again Esther Noronha in the lead role. Again a different subject, with wonderful presentation Harry was catapulted to a permanent place in the hearts of movie goers.

Very next year ‘Zanvoy No 1’ was made ready with rich and class talents in Prince Jacob, Varsha Usgaonkar, Kevin and a troupe of lively new faces to entertain the Konkani film lovers. All the three movies released back to back, directed by Harry Fernandes, focussed his prowess in direction skills, cinematography and screenplay and most importantly ensure to get back what is invested to the producers.

Everything was going on so well and Harry had his next project always ready in hand. Interestingly, he never mixed two works together. In other words, till the moment the movie in hand ready for final release, 100% dedication and concentration in its safe presentation.

In 2017 Harry’s most ambitious project launched with lot of ground work, discussion. Yes, Benddkar was the dream project very close to his heart. The confidence at its zenith and Harry invested his hard earned personal money into it with Producers Dolphy Rebello and others. The film was as lengthy as 4 long hours and the skill, intellect and experience of Harry put into test to bring it down to 150 minutes, not compromising the quality, message and entertainment value.

Harry Fernandes is an all rounder. A versatile actor on stage. Cool in temperament, very smart to extract best from his artists and technicians. Never burden the investors for un usual demands for rich-sets as he understands the value for money and limited market for Konkani films. A team worker never had high headedness with his subordinates. He always used to have multiple reviews of shots and always planning to get still better…..!

Since a year or so, Harry was a disappointed man. His best work thus far in Konkani not delivered and reached to the popular audience in native place and many passionate Konkani language lovers spread around the globe. A solution was found and on 10th June, 2021, the movie will be released worldwide in Daijiworld Localwood OTT platform, with an affordable Rs.199/-

It has created euphoria of curiosity and people are registering themselves to watch it at their mobiles, lap top and home theatre with family. Harry Fernandes had a dream as well as a request with all parents to make their children sit with them to watch it. He assured, film will not disappoint anyone…..as we ensure you, ‘paisa vasool’

Now we cordially invite you all and leave the space open to you to watch the movie and comment….

P. Archibald Furtado, 3rd June, 2021, Mobile 98457 42750, archibarkur@gmail.com