The story revolves around Jalesh (Rajdeep Naik) and his spouse, Jalapurna (Suchita Narvekar). The couple is residing in a village and in an ancestral house. There’s Jaldeep (Nigam Naik), Minguel (Rajesh Lohiya), Mhadavi (Prashanti Chari), Dada (Ramanand Naik) and Reddi (Mohandas Naik) who form part of this family.
Jalesh explains to his close associates as to how the ancestors have lived in harmony in the village, worshipping water as their god. While Jalapurna is pregnant and carrying the first child, she instructs her husband to demolish the old structure and build a new house.
Jalesh is not in favour of his spouse’s new proposal and explains the importance of the existence of the old structures, including the existing ancestral well that sustains the family.
Soon after the first born sees the light of the day, plans are afloat for the demolition of the old structure. Reddi with his associate steps in to survey the area and chalk out the new construction.
Meanwhile, Jalapurna wishes that her only son, Jaldeep no longer stays in the village, but immediately moves to the city. Mother’s expectations towards her son are high and she is of the impression that Jaldeep will prosper in the city rather than stagnating in the village, where she sees no growth.
Will Jalapurna’s dreams come true? Will she see the prosperity of her only son? Or will it have an adverse effect?
Konkani comedy drama ‘Ganv Zala Zantto’ tackles the burning issue of Mhadei and its diversion to Karnataka. Its adverse effects not only on Goans, but also the environment, the existing Mandovi River and natural habitat have been highlighted.
All the seven artistes in the play have given the best of performances. Each of them has depicted their respective characters with ease, enthusiasm and gusto. There’s no dull moment in the viewing and the sequences that follow one after another keep the audience glued to their seats.
‘Hello Vasanti’-fame Rajdeep Naik is the centre of attraction in the play and he makes all efforts to conscientise Goans at large and creates awareness about the sensitive Mhadei issue. The ill-effects of its diversion have been elaborately explained in the presentation. Suchita has extended good support to Rajdeep Naik as his spouse.
Minguel (Rajesh Lohiya) and Mhadavi (Prashanti Chari) carry good pills of laughter under their sleeve, while Dada (Ramanand Naik) and Reddi (Mohandas Naik) are equally entertaining with their comical acts.
The stage design by Hemant Kansar and stage setup by Shivlal Yadav are good and worth watching, especially the transition from the old house to modern residential structure. The lights by Manohar Kolekar and music by Akshay Prakash Naik and Sindhuraj Kamat, the background music by Tanaji Gaude equally deserve a mention.
A fine presentation to be watched by all Goans, irrespective of religion, as the Mhadei issue is related and connected to the Goan community.
