No matter what the language, it is difficult to make a film wherein every frame entertains and keeps the audience glued to their seats. But master craftsman Bardroy Barretto, the illustrious self effacing son of Canacona, achieved just this with his masterpiece ‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’.
Historical research seems to be exhaustive and meticulous in recreating the ‘60s and the ‘70s of Goa and Bombay. From the pink presentation papers, distribution and announcement of cinema hand outs, the yellow-white floral glasses, Campa cold drinks, Capston cigarettes, bottles, mikes, embroidered floral pillow covers and bed sheets, calendars, cookies in the ‘bharnies’...every frame revisits history of the years from 1960 in the opening till 2004.
The film, one of the best made Konkani films, is in a class of its own. Goans have grown up listening to the melody of Chris Perry and Lorna on the radio and the loudspeakers at Margao garden, and the film recreates that bygone magic through the very entertaining treatment by Bardroy. ‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’, which literally is dance to the rhythm, remains loyal to its title. Twendy classic songs(Kantaram) of Chris Perry and Lorna enthrall you throughout the film. Palomi Ghosh as Donna Pereira, Vijay Maurya as Lawrence Vaz in the lead keep you spellbound. John D’Silva as Logic is at his wittiest best. His subtle sense of humour entertains you all thoroughly. Prince Jacob, the eternal Prince of the Konkani stage, touches an emotional and philosophical chord with the audience, Blasco Andrade as Chic Chocolate is hilarious while Dr Meenacshi Martins as the mother of Donna is brilliant with her expressions and dialogue delivery. In fact, the entire cast deserves equal credit for delivering exceptional performances.
The musical band shown in this film is very lively and enthusiastically played by Joe, Roque Lazarus, Sammy Braganza, Putush Azavedo, Antonio Azavedo, Emilio, Macson. Not to forget the Master of Ceremony Michael Falcão and Abdonbab. The credits would be incomplete without mentioning executive producers Angelo Braganza, Bardroy Barretto, Radheysham Pipalwa, Michael Arakkal, cinematographer Suhas Gujarathi, sound designer Sanjay Maurya and Allwin Rego, music composers Ronnie Monseratte and Jacob Pereira, choreographers Longinus Fernandes and Jason Viegas, production designer Aparna Raina and make-up artist Vikram Gaikwad.
For all the glory this film has brought Goa and India, it’s only fair that ‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’ gets its glory at the international level as well