Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that Goan film producers take significant risks to bring local stories to audiences, unlike larger film industries that operate on commercial returns.
He was speaking at the premiere of the Konkani feature film Umesh at Maquinez Palace in Panaji. The film has been produced by Gurunath Atmaram Patade under Guru & Associates Productions.
Also present at the event were former BCCI Joint Secretary Rohan Gauns Desai, Rajiv Kala Mandir Chairman Ritesh Naik, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Vice Chairperson Delilah Lobo, and director Vardhan Vijaykumar Kamat.
Calling Umesh a “uniquely Goan story”, Sawant said the film would help connect Goans globally through a shared cultural narrative.
“Umesh is a uniquely Goan story and this is their effort to bring it to the screen. Bollywood, Hollywood, and Tollywood see how much turnover a film can make and what returns they will get. Here, there are no returns. There is a lot of risk, but yet the producer commits money because Goa’s story needs to be told and people need to know it, so that the Konkani language is spread and reaches people,” Sawant said.
He added that producers often invest without factoring in government returns, while noting that ESG has been supporting Konkani and Marathi films through various initiatives.
“The producer often doesn’t even look at how much money he can expect from the Government of Goa when drawing up a Konkani film, yet he commits the funds. The ESG has been supporting movies made in Konkani and Marathi in Goa through competitions and other initiatives. Goans in Goa and around the world want to watch Konkani films and they will support them,” he said.
Sawant further said that such efforts contribute to the vision of a self-reliant Goa.
“Another dream of Swayampurna Goem is being fulfilled through this Konkani film. I wish the directors, actors, and everyone success and hope you will get the support of the people of Goa, both here and across the world. Whatever help you need from the government, we will provide,” he added.
Rohan Gauns Desai highlighted the evolving role of digital platforms in the film industry.
“We are seeing that some actors in the film are social media influencers. When it comes to these influencers and artistes, their first stage performance may be on YouTube while they have their fanbase on Instagram, but this is overtaken when they reach the big screen,” he said.
“A lot of opportunities are being created in the social media world. Influencers have a good opportunity to take their talent forward through films and take Konkani to a higher level across the world. Konkani is our ‘mai bhas’ and it carries emotions,” he added.
Ritesh Naik said he was pleased that parts of the film were shot at PES College in Ponda and that young artistes had been given a platform.
“I am happy that Guru has produced this film, Umesh. We have been friends for a long time. I am glad that young artistes have been given a platform. Ponda is known as the land of artistes,” he said.
Director Vardhan Vijaykumar Kamat spoke about the challenges of filmmaking.
“I had started believing in the thought that filmmaking is easy, but making a film is difficult. The success of the film goes to my team, who have been working tirelessly since October 2024,” he said.
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