Three weeks ago, a screening of Nachom-ia Kumpasar was held in North Goa, and yet again, like at most of its previous screenings, it was a full house.
The movie, which has a charm of its own, which quite literally has put Goan films on the global map, turns 10-years-old in December this year. Yet, it remains as fresh and entertaining as it was on the day it was released.
The charm and captivating spell, cast by director Bardroy Barretto, who transported Nachom-ia Kumpasar fans to a bygone era – where the bittersweet charms and struggles of Goan musicians and the jazz industry in Bombay (now Mumbai) have been highlighted – still keeps audiences enthralled.
This is evident from the fact that despite 10 years have gone by, the movie is still creating a buzz among Goans.
Humble and composed, director Bardroy had a quick chat with Gomantak Times Digital on the film, its charm and future plans.
SCREENED GLOBALLY
“It wasn’t expected that the movie would still do so well. It has lived beyond our expectations. We are trying to get the movie telecast and seen all over by having it screened,” says Bardroy, whose directorial debut premiered at Margao on December 4, 2014.
"We have a long list of countries where it has reached – from the UK to America, Israel, the Gulf countries and so many others. When the movie was released, there was a fan who watched the film over 150 times and it was just amazing!” shares Bardroy.
The movie, however, hasn’t been screened in cinemas, nor is available on popular screening platforms like Netflix, Prime Videos and Hotstar.
Ask the director why, and he says, “When we were offered (cinema screenings), they were treating the film like a regional film and we were doing well, showcasing it in the community. Konkani needs to be taken as a serious language.”
The movie had an international screening on the UK-based Channel 4, where it was screened in 2016-2017.
CONNECTING GOANS
What makes this film so dear to Goans? Bardroy is quick to reply, “I think people own it, they feel like it’s their own for many reasons. The film is a take on our culture and what we are; we tend to see ourselves in it."
"As a director, we didn’t try to be Bollywood, or any other genre, we tried to be ourselves,” he adds.
Talking further about the connect, he says, “Everyone in their village will have those three loafers, or the matchmakers – these familiar characters also created that emotional connect among viewers.”
He adds, “The movie is stitched from the songs and not based on anyone’s lives. We are celebrating music, the intentions are correct here. You have to feed of the positives.”
TAKING SIDES
Talking about fun experiences at the theatre, Bardroy says, “People would walk up to me, without knowing who I was, and with great honesty would explain to me what they think about the film!"
"But till date, there are people who take sides – some are for and some against. As makers, we didn’t pass any judgement, we bumped it in the middle and the debate will continue. Everyone has a right of opinion,” he shares.
HUMILITY & HARD WORK
When making a film, humility and vulnerability is most important, says director Bardroy, adding, “Yet, you have to make people around you comfortable."
"Out of humility and vulnerability comes effort and hard work, which will make it better. While making Nachom-ia Kumpasar, at no point was I super-confident,” he admits.
“It wasn’t a conventional release either. There was no publicity done before the release. All we needed was the first show. Ours was just one screening at a time, so why all the hype?" he remembers.
"After the first show, it was like euphoria – like winning the Santosh trophy – everyone was proud! That’s when I knew that word about the movie would spread. It was all word of mouth – the success of the movie was organic in terms of release,” says Bardroy as he signs out.
