Toronto: Konkani community witnesses first-ever Konkani hit movie, Ek Aslyar Ek Na

Bellevision Media Network

Toronto/Canada, 12 Dec 2016: December 4 was a red-letter day for Canada’s Konkani-speaking diasporas who witnessed the first ever screening of Mangalurean movie in Canada. The premier of the movie ’Ek Aslyar Ek Na’ (EAEN), which has been a great hit in many parts of the globe, was a thumping success in Toronto.

 

In recognition of his contribution to Konkani culture through a medium of cinematography, entrepreneurship and his philanthropic activities, Frank Fernandes was bestowed with Konkan Kala Ratna Award at the screening of his latest movie on December 4 at the Albion theatre in Toronto, Canada, organized by three leading Konkani organizations.

 

Flavian Pinto, founder member of Canara World Foundation Inc (CWF), Radio Mango Award winner, an ardent supporter of Konkani language, art and culture, also known as the Comedy King of Canada, compered the felicitation ceremony. He expressed his excitement of viewing a Mangalurean Konkani movie for the first time in Canada.

 

It was for the first time in the history of Toronto that three leading organisations joined hands to screen this movie. The three presidents of the organizations, Maxim D’Mello of Mangalorean Association of Canada, Herman Pinto, vice-president of Konkan Organization of Toronto representing the KOT president Antony Castelino, and Max Mendes, the president of Canara World Foundation were called on the stage with the thunderous applause from the audience. Frank Fernandes, the guest of honor and producer of the movie joined the presidents on the stage along with his wife Alice Fernandes.

 

On behalf of all the associations, Max Mendes read the felicitation address highlighting Frank’s accomplishments, contribution to the movie world, as well as in acknowledgement of his philanthropic services to the Konkani community at large in India and overseas. Herman Pinto handed over the Maan Pathr to Frank Fernandes. Maxim D’Mello honored Frank Fernandes with the traditional shawl. As a token of appreciation Nancy Mendes, one of the main organizers, presented a bouquet to Alice Fernandes.

 

Frank Fernandes expressed his gratitude to the presidents of the Associations and also for the support of people. Frank in his eloquent style said, ‘Power and money are fruits of life; family and friends are roots of life. Without fruits a tree can survive; but without roots tree cannot survive; in the same way, today my roots, my friends are here and without your support I would not have been here and would not have survived. The purpose in life is more important than the need; that is why I produced this movie. The main purpose of this movie is to provide a platform to our talented actors to showcase their talents and to promote our mother tongue Konkani.’ He recognized the talent-pool in Canada and said if there was adequate support he would produce a movie with the cast including the Canadian actors.

 

Flavian introduced Alphonse D’Souza, the lead actor in a negative role. Max Mendes proposed the vote of thanks. He thanked all the associations for their collective efforts in promoting the movie, and specifically thanked the local audience for making in large numbers to attend the movie. He also thanked Daijiworld, the global media partner, local media partner Radio Mango and Konkan TV Canada, Sunil Bantwal for the photography and Shodhan Prasad, Dubai, the marketing and advertising partner. He extended his gratitude to Frank for producing the movie and coming all the way to Canada to grace the occasion.

 

On conclusion of this felicitation, the much awaited movie EAEN started with a bang, cooling down the excitement of the distinguished audience. The Canadian audience thoroughly enjoyed the movie filled with great thrill, suspence, comedy and melodious music. This is Pradeep Barboza’s first Konkani film for which he has written the story and dialogues. He has vast experience of scripting and staging several successful Konkani plays and has also played striking lead role in this film. Priya Menezes who plays the lead female role has given a remarkable performance. Alphonse D’Souza plays a par-excellent negative lead role. Some of the artistes like Deepak Paladka, John D’Silva, Richard Sequeira, Jerald Moras and Melwyn D’Almeida have given a stunning performance through their rib-tickling jokes. Overall, the story, dialogues, acting, songs/lyrics/music, beautiful locations in and around Mangaluru have succeeded in giving a total entertainment to the movie viewers. The movie review by the audience was great and one should really applaud the producer Frank Fernandes and his entire crew for their courage and dedication in bringing out such a masterpiece.

 

It was indeed a great initiative by Canara World Foundation Inc, The Mangalorean Association of Canada and Konkan Organization of Toronto to join hands in presenting a colossal entertainment by screening EAEN movie. The response was great and the Canadian Konkani audiences definitely hope to get more screenings of Konkani movies in Canada in the near future.