Dolcy D’Cruz
With over two decades of experience as a wedding photographer, Joywin Fernandes has witnessed relationships at their most emotional, hopeful, and vulnerable moments. That real-life exposure to love, expectations, and change forms the emotional backbone of his latest Konkani feature film ‘Just Married.com’ is his 16th film as a filmmaker, and one of his most personal projects to date. “This movie was planned four years back. The basic idea came to me when I completed my previous film, ‘Fotting Number 1’,” Joywin reveals. However, the journey from concept to screen was far from immediate. “At that time, the casting was totally different and even I was not happy with the story. Gradually, the story matured, the dialogues changed, the casting changed,” he explains, adding that this is the first film in his career to feature such a large ensemble cast of nearly 20 to 25 actors. ‘Just Married.com’ follows four couples and traces how their married lives evolve over a span of four years after marriage. Drawing directly from his professional life, Joywin says, “I am showing in the film when the couples are coming for booking, planning, and then how they live at home.” As a wedding photographer, he has observed stark emotional shifts. “I can see the difference, when they come for booking and then when they come for collecting the album, the difference,” he says, noting how love often changes once the celebrations fade and reality sets in. One of the highlights of the film is the reunion of John D’Silva and Rajdeep Naik, a much-loved on-screen duo returning together after 12 years. Joywin is clear that their casting was not a crowd-pulling gimmick. “When you see the movie now, you will say that this role was meant for them only. It was not because they were a famous duo. Their roles are completely different from what they were in the previous movie. I have taken care of even the costume because they should remember the character from the movie,” says Joywin.
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Veteran Konkani actor and tiatrist John D’Silva, who is a lead character in the film speaks warmly about both the project and his reunion with longtime co-actor Rajdeep Naik. Sharing that he and Rajdeep jointly run a wedding destination event management company, John explains, “We both are having an event management company of wedding destination. Our role is wedding planners.” Reflecting on working together again after many years, he adds, “It was a nice experience after so many years. Our jodi was very popular in ‘Home Sweet Home.’” Emphasising the film’s relevance, he says the story carries an important message for today’s youth, married couples, and families alike, as it strongly advocates the need to value and save marriages. Costume design plays a crucial narrative role throughout the film. “Everybody has a character in a dressing sense. I have designed particularly for each and every character,” Joywin explains as he credits the costume department as a key storytelling tool rather than a visual afterthought. Musically, ‘Just Married.com’ features three songs, with music composed by Voller D’Costa and lyrics penned by Elick Vaz. “One is the title song, one is a romantic song, which was shot in Gujarat and one features four cameos by four top heroines of the Konkani stage of Goa,” he shares. A strong believer in storytelling above all else, Joywin offers a candid message to fellow filmmakers, “Every filmmaker should understand, when the story is really good, you are the winner. They start a movie with a cast, with production. Wrong. First you should always have a full story. Not on paper but at least in your mind.” Clocking in at nearly two hours, ‘Just Married.com’ is a true one-man creative vision. Written, directed, shot, edited, produced, and overseen in every technical aspect from DI and sound design to costumes and set design by Joywin Fernandes himself, the film represents a labour of love. “I enjoyed each and every department,” he says with a laugh, “except production.” Actor Rajdeep Naik, who plays a key role in ‘Just Married.com’, says the film presents hard hitting realities wrapped in relatable storytelling. Speaking about the narrative, he reveals, “There is a striking incident where we as wedding DON BOSCO – A SAINT OF THE YOUTH FIRST-EVER ZADDACHEM FEST HELD IN PILAR SWIPE RIGHT Ranbir Kapoor reveals ‘Animal’ to turn in a three-part franchise planners are forced to disclose to couples that their weddings were, in fact, bogus. There are four stories weaved together in the film, each one traces the journey and changing dynamics of a marriage over time.” According to him, what makes the film deeply engaging is its realism. “It shows the trajectory of each marriage, and many people can relate to these stories because it is the exact reality of what is happening today,” he says. Rajdeep believes the emotional honesty of the f ilm will resonate strongly with audiences. “It touches people’s hearts. At least one story will definitely relate to the viewers.” He also points out that the film highlights how wedding traditions have evolved and lost their original meaning. “Even the traditions related to marriages have changed,” he notes. Crediting director Joywin’ long association with weddings, Rajdeep says that experience clearly reflects in the storytelling. The film also does not shy away from sensitive issues, touching upon how marriages can break down due to external pressures from parents, siblings, and friends. Well-known tiatrist Aplon Rebello describes the film as a meaningful and engaging movie that delivers a strong message through an excellent ensemble cast. She praises the director, Joywin, for his ability to bring out the best in every artiste, noting that each performer has given their finest effort. Speaking about her role, she explains, “I play a negative character, a mother whose son is deeply attached to her. While mothers prepare extensively for their son’s wedding, they rarely prepare themselves to share their son’s life with another woman. This inability to let go, especially the desire to retain complete control and attention even after marriage, often leads to conflicts and, in many cases, marital breakdowns. Once a son is deemed mature enough to marry, he should also be trusted to lead his own life.” The film addresses such delicate themes with humour and emotion, making it entertaining yet impactful. ‘Just Married.com’ is not just a film about weddings but a reflection on marriage itself, urging audiences to look beyond celebrations. The film will be screening at theatres like Vishant, Margao, Shivam, Vasco, Samrat, Panjim and Hira Talkies, Bicholim from January 30 and in Ponda and Inox theatres from next week.
