However, the footfalls in cinema halls for Konkani movies are gradually decreasing, much to the dismay of the film producers who think that they produce and act for entertaining the Goan audience. Even though there are excellent inspiring Konkani movies, some with English subtitles, there were hardly any takers who make it to the theatre to view the movies.
Mogacho Anvddo, the first Konkani film released simultaneously in Mapusa and Mumbai on April 14, 1950 with its lead actor Al Jerry Braganza or “Bhuianrantlo Munis” in 1977 by Tony Coutinho and Chris Perry were successful as they had the backing of Bollywood and the era of “no mobile phones or television” when people had no option but to visit a cinema hall or a theatre. Even during the days of Doordarshan and All India Radio which was in early 1980s, movies produced in regional languages used to make money. Also, Goans who were settled outside Goa did provide huge support to make those movies successful. In the most recent times, even if the movies like “Ke Sera Sera” and “Glory” are technically more modern with story and music, they all are struggling to recover the money which was spent on their production.
In today’s world we have mobiles which have become the major and probably the most dominant source of entertainment. With data tariff dipping and several applications including Netflix, on a platter, it becomes almost a “waste of money to buy a ticket for a seat in movie hall for a period of three hours with no guarantee of entertainment value for the money spent on ticket”. Entertainment is available to each and sundry on just a press of a key button in the palm of their hand and at comfort to watch anywhere, anytime. Also, social media is believed to be for the younger generation mostly and for the producers of tiatr as well as movies the target audience is seen to be those who are around 35 years and above. Producers are now finding difficult to reach out to this segment of the society.
No movie, whether it is from Hollywood, Bollywood or even Tollywood is going to make it big unless the post production and pre-launch budget to market the film is factored-in with the actual production cost. A good marketing both in India and abroad has shown that lately even an average film which has featured mega stars with a weak storyline can make it big in the box office if the marketing of the film has been done in all sections of media across the globe. However, with the recent demonetisation hitting the market, one of the major resources for parking the dirty cash in movies has depleted, thus creating an artificial cash crunch.
So where lie the solutions which can help movies flourish and that too the regional language films? Yes, it does not only bank upon the support of their fans and viewers but it also requires support from their respective State government. In Goa, for example, there are 40 MLAs from the same number of constituencies and they can play a major role in uplifting this cultural heritage of the State. Screening of Konkani movies in cinema halls or multiplexes is not only expensive for the producers but also for common people to purchase tickets for their family to go and enjoy a movie.
Institutions like local common town halls like Ravindra Bhavans can play a major role in pulling down the screening and viewing cost. These Bhavans could aptly be used for cultural functions, movies, tiatr and even functions relevant to that particular constituency. Lately, movies after giving a brave try at the multiplex, have shifted screenings at the ESG and Ravindra Bhavans. Producers and even the actors now believe that if there were more Ravindra Bhavans in the State, it would have not only allow the producers to reach out to the audiences but also help interested movie buffs to step out, purchase affordable tickets to enjoy themselves with their families. The time has come when to save the regional language movies such steps like building of more Ravindra Bhavans in the State can really help give a shot in the arm to the fading culture which faces extinction is this market where only money talks.
