Tag: Goa Cinema

Films

Goan Film Claudia by Rajendra Talak Invited for Indian Panorama–Special Presentation at IFFI 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Konkani film Claudia, written, produced, and directed by veteran Goan filmmaker Rajendra Talak, will be featured in the “Indian Panorama – Special Presentation” section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled from 20 to 28 November 2025 in Goa. Although no Goan film was selected in the official Indian Panorama categories this year, Claudia has been extended a special invitation to participate in the festival. The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), which organizes the Indian Panorama section, confirmed the inclusion, facilitated under the leadership of its Managing Director, Prakash Magdum.

Claudia tells the story of a saxophone player who loses his ability to perform, and his daughter’s emotional journey as she helps him rediscover his passion for music. The film explores themes of loss, hope, and the enduring strength of family bonds. Rajendra Talak, known for acclaimed Konkani films such as O Maria, Aleesha, and Miranda House, has been a key contributor to regional cinema and a strong advocate for showcasing Goan stories on national platforms.

According to reports, Claudia will represent Goa in the Special Presentation segment of Indian Panorama, which highlights distinctive works from across the country outside the main competition categories. The recognition ensures that Goa’s voice in cinema continues to resonate at the nation’s premier film festival.

Events in Goa

K. Vaikunth Birth Centenary Celebrated in Margao with Calls for Padma Award

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Margao: The concluding day of the birth centenary celebrations of K. Vaikunth (Vaikunth Kuncolienkar), Goa’s renowned cinematographer, was held at Imperial Hall, Margao, organized by Madganvcho Awaaz.

The evening witnessed heartfelt tributes from filmmakers, artistes, and citizens who celebrated the artistry, simplicity, and Goan identity of K. Vaikunth, whose cinematic legacy remains etched in Indian cinema.

Youth leader Prabhav Naik highlighted Vaikunth’s invaluable contribution to cinema and cultural identity, urging the government to confer a Padma Award posthumously. He stressed the need for national recognition of his pioneering work.

The function began with a keynote address by Dr. Babita Angle Prabhudesai, who traced the life and cinematic journey of the cinematographer. Floral tributes were offered by family members and dignitaries, followed by a felicitation of the Kunkalienkar family by Madganvcho Awaaz. Tributes were also paid to A. Vaikunth, who passed away last year.

Eminent film personalities including Dharmanand Vernekar and Prasad Shinkre shared memories, while National Award-winning filmmaker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar called upon the film fraternity to collectively demand a lifetime memorial in honor of K. Vaikunth.

The evening also saw felicitation of members of Goa’s film fraternity for their contributions, including Dr. Pramod Salgaonkar, Jyoti Kunkalienkar, Prince Jacob, Christ Silva, Dinesh Bhosale, Miransha Naik, Dnyaneshwar Govekar, Rajdeep Naik, Suchita Narvekar, Mukund Shinkre, Swapnil Shetkar, Saiesh Panandikar and others.

The nostalgic gathering concluded with cultural unity, honoring a man who carried Goa’s name across Indian cinema and reminding the fraternity of the importance of preserving his cinematic heritage.