Dolcy D’Cruz
Directed by Agnelo Angelo Braganza and Radheshyam Pipalwa, ‘Mog Asum’ has achieved its biggest milestone by winning the Best Konkani Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards. Produced by Flowing Mandovi Films in association with RS Creations, ‘Mog Asum’ stars Purab Kohli, Anjali Patil, Gillian Pinto, Prince Jacob, John D’Silva, Meenacshi Martins, Vikram Acharya, Moumita Pal, Tamara D’Souza, Madhavi Pai, Nidhi and Adwait. At its heart is the story of Jack, a musician who struggles to come to terms with the untimely death of his wife, Gracie. Instead of returning as a haunting presence, Gracie appears to gently encourage her husband to move on with life, making the film a moving exploration of grief, healing and second chances.
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Behind the scene which shooting the film For co-director Angelo Braganza, the National Award is not merely a personal triumph but a recognition of the collective efforts of the Konkani film fraternity. “A recognition is always satisfying and means a lot, especially if it’s coming on the national platform. Konkani Cinema is exploring some very good content and some new makers are bold with their narrative and very sound in the technical expertise and processes. This award is for Konkani Cinema. It belongs to every Goan filmmaker who believes in the future of Konkani cinema,” he says. The seed for ‘Mog Asum’ came from the ghost stories narrated by his grandmother during his childhood on the family balcao. “Conceptually, it’s turned true-to-life from dark to divine. ‘Angel’ been the central plot, now how to turn this into an authentic narrative and contemplative art is the challenge for any writer.
The amalgamation of fantasy alongside comic and drama, letting go and healing, written through a fresh pen and eyes is what ‘Mog Asum’ is,” explains Agnelo. Unlike conventional ghost stories, ‘Mog Asum’ deliberately avoids dwelling on death. Instead, it celebrates life and reminds audiences to cherish the time they have with their loved ones. Agnelo believes the film offers “a luminous perspective on the inevitable” and seeks to transform universal human emotions into timeless cinema. The recurring message, he says, is simple: live life fully while you can. Achieving the delicate balance between fantasy, comedy and emotion was one of the film’s biggest creative challenges.
Agnelo informs, “As a filmmaker, it quite a challenge walking the tight rope as you have taken the team into confidence. Suggestions of gimmicks were avoided even though drama is contagious. Our Konkani audience love drama and loud hearty laughter. Staying true and simple to the story and the concept was the idea. As they say ‘less is more.” Veteran cinematographer Sunil Patel’s visual treatment, combined with Broadway inspired song sequences, gives the film a distinctive visual identity while enhancing its emotional journey. The performances have also drawn widespread appreciation. Agnelo says, “Once they heard the story there was not need to guide them. Anjali is a method actor with a National award and the IFFI silver peacock in her belt. Purab looks so much Goan and is as versatile as ever. Gillian comes from theatre background. And our Goan stalwart of Prince Jacob and John D’Silva, with their body of work are exceptional actors over time.
Meenacshi Martins as usual was effortlessly cued in all the time.” Music too plays an important role without overshadowing the narrative. Composer Myron Estibeiro was given a simple brief to keep the music uncomplicated and allow it to carry the story forward. The result is an album of five original songs, supported by carefully chosen cover versions, with Boney Alex working on the rendition of the end-credits song in the film as well. ‘Mog Asum’ has already made an impressive mark on the festival circuit. It was screened at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) and Jagran Film Festival, where it won the prestigious FIPRESCI International Jury Award from among 426 officially selected films. It was also officially shortlisted for the International Filmmakers of World Cinema in Milan, Italy.
While the film’s central theme revolves around love and healing, it subtly reflects contemporary realities of Goa, including migration, elderly parents left behind and abandoned ancestral homes vulnerable to land sharks. These social concerns are woven gently into the narrative. Following its National Award success, the team plans to continue its festival journey over the next several months, using the opportunity to connect with international content buyers and expand the film’s global reach.
