PANJIM: ‘Moja Anim Soja’, a tiatr written and directed by Anil Pednekar, highlights the tricks played by politicians and the problems borne by the Goans. He dwells on the long fight for ‘special status’ and the advantage taken by third parties in the game of politics. To win special status, each one has to work for it, he advises.
The story revolves around Borges (Eliterio D’Costa), his wife Thelma (Chitra) and their only daughter Jasmin (Sonia). While Borges is confident of his college-going daughter treading the right path, Thelma is worried about her returning home late.
To calm his wife’s anxiety and fear, one day Borges questions Jasmin. She fumbles, but responds in the positive about her involvement with an ice-cream vendor Raja (Anil Pednekar).
Initially, although strong opposition follows from Jasmin’s parents, for the sake of their only daughter and at the insistence of Thelma, Borges bows down to Raja’s demands. For the happiness of Jasmin, what decision does Borges take? Will that ultimate decision work in favour of or against Borges’ family?
The director has made concrete efforts to link his simple family story to the present prevailing situation among Goan politicians and migrants settling in Goa. Greed for extra money and power prompts the netas to back non-Goans, who serve as vote banks during elections. Ultimately, the ministers enjoy and win, while the Goans are at a heavy loss, bearing the brunt of the politicians’ deeds.
Chitra displays command in her character. Eliterio is expressive as the head of the family, both in body language and dialogue delivery. Sonia looks comfortable in her stubborn role. Brief roles by Andrew as Iqbal and Rons as an Arab are convincing. Sally as employee Salu is humorous. But Anil Pednekar wows the audience as the illiterate and cunning Raja, who captures the audience with his notorious looks and witty dialogues.
Except for Eliterio D’Costa, this tiatr had a major share of professional tiatrists, both in the acting and in the songs. A solo by Alias Fernandes, a duet and choral by Fermino and Assumpta Fernandes, a solo by child artiste Avila Pereira, duo by Avily and Avila Pereira and a trio by Anil, Olga and Alias Fernandes spell out a message or two for the audience.
