Tag: Konkani Cinema

Films

Prathamesh Films Announces One of the Biggest Konkani Films Ever Backed

Tanisha Cardozo

Prathamesh Films has announced what is being described as one of the biggest Konkani films ever envisioned, marking a significant moment for Goa’s regional film industry. Backed by producer Prathamesh Dinesh Naik, the ambitious project reflects a strong belief that Goan stories deserve to be told with scale, dignity and national ambition.

The upcoming feature, produced in association with Bymistake Motion Pictures, represents an unprecedented investment for the Konkani market. The initiative goes beyond commercial intent, positioning itself as a cultural commitment to the people of Goa, local creative talent and the long-term growth of Konkani cinema. The stated objective is clear: to ensure that Konkani films gain recognition and respect on a national platform while retaining their regional authenticity.

For this ambitious venture, the production house sought a filmmaker capable of balancing commercial appeal with cultural depth. Aniket Arun Naik emerged as a natural choice. Following the success of the blockbuster Konkani film Amizade and his impactful role as a distributor expanding the theatrical reach of Aai Saiba!—which crossed over 300 shows in multiplexes within four weeks—Aniket has established himself as a key figure in Goa’s contemporary film landscape.

His return to the director’s chair with this large-scale action drama signals a defining moment for the industry. Deeply rooted in Goan soil, the film promises to blend high-octane action with an emotionally resonant narrative celebrating the culture, spirit and identity of Goa. The collaboration aims to set new benchmarks for Konkani cinema by combining production scale, storytelling sincerity and cinematic impact.

As regional cinema across India gains greater prominence, this project positions Konkani films within that larger national conversation. With a strong creative vision and strategic industry collaboration, the upcoming feature aspires to redefine expectations and broaden the horizons of Goan cinema.

Entertainment

Vindaloo Launches Dedicated OTT Platform to Take Konkani Cinema and Culture to the World

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Vindaloo Entertainment Private Limited has launched Vindaloo, a first-of-its-kind OTT platform dedicated entirely to Konkani cinema, Tiatr and Goan cultural storytelling, marking a major milestone for the preservation and global promotion of Konkani heritage.

For decades, Konkani artists and filmmakers have struggled to find a structured digital space to showcase their work and reach wider audiences. Vindaloo aims to bridge this gap by creating a dedicated ecosystem where Goan stories, music, theatre and cinema can thrive while remaining accessible to viewers across the world. With a clear mission to preserve culture and empower creative talent, the platform brings together entertainment, education and cultural archiving in one digital home.

“Our vision is to create a platform that not only showcases the richness and diversity of Konkani entertainment but also provides a voice to the talented artists and filmmakers who have been contributing to the industry for years. We want to take Konkani culture to the world and bring the world to Konkani culture, fostering a sense of community and appreciation among audiences globally,” said Nikhil Desai, Co-founder of Vindaloo.

Siddhant Shetty, Co-founder of Vindaloo, added that Konkani culture is a treasure trove of stories, music and art that deserves global recognition. “We are committed to preserving and promoting it for generations to come. With Vindaloo, we are creating a digital archive of Konkani content that will not only entertain but also educate and enlighten audiences about the rich heritage of Goa and the Konkani diaspora.”

Vindaloo offers a diverse library that includes 20 Konkani feature films by Goan filmmakers, digitised Tiatr performances, and exclusive content from nationally and internationally award-winning directors and actors. With over 30 Konkani titles lined up for release over the next two months, the platform is set to become the go-to destination for Konkani entertainment.

Available on both Android and iOS devices, Vindaloo allows viewers to enjoy their favourite Konkani content anytime, anywhere. Its pay-per-view model enables filmmakers to monetise their work, creating new revenue streams while strengthening the local creative economy.

With global availability across India, UAE, UK, USA, Canada and Australia, Vindaloo connects Goa with the worldwide Konkani diaspora, strengthening cultural bonds and ensuring that Goan stories continue to inspire audiences across generations and borders.

#faith

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Duler Celebrates a Vibrant Day 1 of Christmas Fiesta

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler witnessed a vibrant and faith-filled beginning to its two-day Christmas Fiesta with the successful completion of Day 1 celebrations on January 3 at the St. Anthony School Grounds. Organised to encourage local talent while celebrating faith, relationships and culture, the event drew an enthusiastic response from parishioners and visitors alike.

The festive grounds came alive with food stalls, face painting counters, activity zones and various stalls, creating a warm and welcoming environment for families and children. The atmosphere reflected the true spirit of Christmas, marked by togetherness, joy and community participation.

Adding to the celebrations, parishioners took to the side stage to showcase their talents through soulful singing, expressive poetry recitations and energetic group dance performances. These presentations highlighted the creativity, confidence and cultural richness within the parish and were warmly appreciated by the audience.

From 6.30 pm onwards, the screening of the Konkani movie Mog Asum, by the makers of Nachoiam Kumpasar, added cultural depth to the evening and was well received by the gathering.

Addressing the audience, Chief Guest Joshua D’Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and MLA of the Mapusa Constituency, described the event as a lively experience that enables people to connect with one another. He noted that such celebrations play an important role in fostering community bonding.

Day 1 of the Christmas Fiesta was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Joshua D’Souza, Guest of Honour Marwin Gomes, Chief Architect of the Public Works Department, Goa, Rev. Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, SVD, Episcopal Vicar (Religious) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, and Wilson D’Souza, DySP and SDPO, Mapusa. The parish also expressed its appreciation for the presence of Bro. Edmund Peter Lemos, Chairperson of St. Anthony’s Institute, and Cyril Fernandes, President of the Catholic Association of Goa.

The Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler has invited everyone to be part of Day 2 of the Christmas Fiesta on January 4, featuring the tiatr ‘Don Dis Sonvsarantle’ by Ulhas Tari, with festivities continuing from 5 pm onwards. The parish extended heartfelt gratitude to all voluntee

Films

Goan Filmmaker,  Miransha Naik Returns 14 Awards in Protest Against ESG Grading

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Goan filmmaker Miransha Naik has taken a bold and unprecedented step by returning all 14 awards his film Juze won at the recent Goa State Film Festival, organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). His decision stems from a serious protest against the ESG’s evaluation of the same film as ‘C’ grade in its long-delayed Film Finance Scheme — a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked debate across the Indian film community.

Juze, a critically acclaimed Konkani film that brought international attention to Goa’s regional cinema, had swept the awards at the state-level event, establishing Naik’s voice as one of the strongest in contemporary Konkani storytelling. However, the filmmaker expressed deep disappointment when the ESG, which had just celebrated his work, assigned it the lowest grade possible in its finance evaluation process.

This grading has significant implications — not just financial, but symbolic — as it determines whether filmmakers receive state support to continue their work. For Naik, it was a contradiction too stark to ignore. Returning the awards, he stated that such grading undermines not only his film’s merit but also the broader credibility of the ESG’s support for homegrown cinema.

The move has reignited concerns over transparency, consistency, and fairness within the ESG’s evaluation framework. For many in the regional and national film industry, Naik’s protest is a wake-up call — a demand for clearer policies and genuine encouragement for films that aim to elevate Konkani cinema on the global stage.

As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this protest will lead to any institutional change. What’s clear is that Miransha Naik has made a powerful statement: recognition means little without respect and integrity in the process that grants it.

Films

“Ancessao” by Manguirish J. Bandodkar Officially Selected for IFFSA Toronto 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a moment of pride for Konkani cinema and Goan artistry, Ancessao, a short film by young filmmaker Manguirish J. Bandodkar, has been officially selected for the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) Toronto 2025.

Set against the culturally rich backdrop of Goa, Ancessao is a poignant narrative that captures the emotional depth, language, and lived experiences of the region through the lens of nuanced storytelling and visual authenticity. The film reflects the director’s deep commitment to preserving and promoting Konkani language and culture through cinema.

IFFSA Toronto is one of the largest South Asian film festivals outside of India, celebrating diverse voices and innovative storytelling. The inclusion of Ancessao in the 2025 lineup brings fresh visibility to Konkani-language cinema and regional filmmakers pushing creative boundaries.

As regional cinema continues to gain international attention, Ancessao stands as a strong testament to the power of rooted storytelling and the growing platform for young filmmakers from Goa.