The poster, music, and teaser of the upcoming Konkani feature film ‘Umesh’ were unveiled at Maquinez Palace in Panaji, with speakers emphasising the importance of supporting regional cinema and promoting Konkani language films and music.
The event, hosted at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), saw the presence of former India A and IPL cricketer Swapnil Asnodkar as the special guest and international singer and fadista Sonia Shirsat as the guest of honour.
The film is produced by Gurunath Atmaram Patade and directed by Vardhan Vijaykumar Kamat under the banner of Guru & Associates Productions. Speaking at the event, the dignitaries congratulated the team and highlighted the need for audiences to actively support Konkani cinema.
‘Umesh’ tells the story of a once-celebrated local hero who now lives a quiet and reclusive life in a rural Goan village. The narrative explores themes of identity, rejection, human connection, and the search for recognition in a society that often forgets its own talent.
The film follows two aspiring filmmakers who set out to document Umesh’s life. As they uncover his past, they encounter his struggles, isolation, and the fragile relationships that develop over time. Through this journey, the story reflects on trust, memory, and resilience.
The film has a runtime of approximately 98 minutes and will be released in Konkani with English subtitles. It is scheduled to hit cinemas in April.
Speaking on the occasion, Swapnil Asnodkar stressed the need to support regional cinema, drawing comparisons with South India where audiences strongly promote films in languages such as Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. He noted that such support encourages local artistes and strengthens the regional film industry.
He also highlighted the role of films and music in helping individuals unwind, especially in high-pressure professions like cricket, where mental relaxation is essential for maintaining focus and performance.
Sonia Shirsat appreciated the inclusion of Dhalo in the film’s music, calling it a significant step in promoting traditional Goan art forms. She emphasised that forms like Dhalo, along with Mando and Dekhni, deserve recognition at the national level and should be actively promoted.
Director Vardhan Kamat expressed gratitude to the entire team and urged audiences to support the film. He noted that ‘Umesh’ had already gained recognition after being featured among a select list of films at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where it received positive feedback from international delegates.
He encouraged audiences, including those unfamiliar with Konkani, to watch the film with subtitles and help promote it through word of mouth, emphasising that public support is key to enabling more such films in the future.
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