The time has dawned to save Goa and the Goan youth from the vice of drugs. This is the concluding message conveyed by Fr Joseph Claro Rodrigues in his tiatr ‘Vellantlo Vell’.
In the hectic world of laughter and tears, ups and downs, rise and fall, the time is also guaranteed for God’s justice to prevail. As time waits for no man, God-given time needs to be utilized meticulously.
The curtain unveils with the scene of chief minister’s residence. The chief minister (Alvaro Gracias), home minister (Roque Rodrigues), DySP (Thomas Souza) and chief secretary (Vera Diniz) are eagerly waiting for the arrival of Justice Sardessai (Pradip Khandeparker). His arrival, though late, prompts everyone at the table to influence him and make his report on drug mafia investigation case turn in their favour. But this righteous man refuses to move an inch, but stands by his principles and conscience.
On the other hand, Joseph (Fr Joseph Rodrigues) is a spoilt brat. Besides his friends’ circle, his involvement with inspector Naguesh (Elliton Fernandes), a drug dealer, leads him to the wrong path. Unable to control her son’s misbehaviour, Joseph’s mom (Adelina Crasto) invites the priest (Deron Rodrigues) to intervene. But to no avail.
Will Joseph survive overdose of drugs? When does he get enlightened of his misdeeds? What is the fate of his friends and the powers-to-be?
‘Vellantlo Vell’ moves a snail’s pace throughout the three-hour duration. Although the subject is not unusual, the manner it has been presented with the conversation between friends and the drug dealer at the chapel, the funeral and the jail scenes and the concluding party scene in the house as the climax is worth watching.
As Justice Sardessai, Pradip Khandeparker excels in dialogue delivery and body language. He has been ably assisted by Alvaro, Roque, Thomas and Vera. Adelina and Mitchelle dole out fine performances in their respective characters. Deron stands tall and bold in his priestly role. But Fr Joseph is in the limelight, though he could have been more expressive as a drug addict.
Comic interludes went amiss, except for the jail scene, which was presentable, where there were fewer moments of laughter. In the category of songs, a duet ‘Kuku’ by Lenin and Vanessa, a solo ‘Chor’ by Fr Milagres, quartets ‘Shut Up’ by Michelle, Deron, Vanessa and Lenin and ‘Goemkar Kantorist’ by Fr Joseph, Deron, Johan and Princeton had thought-provoking messages.
