Mangaluru: The coastal entertainment scene is set to welcome a new Konkani feature film with the muhurat of ‘Wheel Chair’, subtitled A Different Love Story, held at Kalaangann in Shakthinagar here.
The film is being produced under the banner of Deepa Creations Film Production by Melwyn D’Souza of Angelore, Deepak D’Silva Paladka and seasoned filmmaker Harry Fernandes Barkur. Fernandes is also directing the project and has penned its story, screenplay and dialogues.
The launch brought together prominent personalities from Konkani cinema, literature, media and the coastal cultural community, with speakers stressing the need for strong storytelling as well as sustained promotion to help regional films reach wider audiences.
Blessings mark beginning of film
The parish priest of Cordel Church, Fr Clifford Fernandes, invoked divine blessings on the new venture and wished the cast and crew success.
The ceremonial clapboard for the first shot was sounded by Stany Alvares, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy. Speaking on the occasion, Alvares expressed confidence that the creative team’s understanding of audience sensibilities would help the film make a strong impact in regional cinema.
The muhurat ceremony marked the formal beginning of the film’s production and brought together members of the cast, crew and Konkani cultural fraternity.
Focus on promotion and audience support
The importance of publicity and audience patronage for regional cinema emerged as a key theme during the event.
Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, highlighted the need for sustained publicity throughout the filmmaking process. He urged the cast and crew to remain committed to promoting the film even after production and during the post-production phase.
Nandalike also called upon the Konkani-speaking community and wider coastal audience to actively support regional films by watching them in theatres.
Roy Castelino, public relations officer of the Mangaluru diocese, echoed the need for a stronger marketing strategy for Konkani cinema. He observed that Konkani film production has been steadily growing, but said structured and aggressive publicity would be essential to translate that growth into theatrical success.
The speakers emphasised that producing a regional film is only one part of the process, with effective promotion and audience engagement playing an equally important role in determining its reach and commercial performance.
Aravind Bolar urges support for Konkani films
Renowned coastal actor Aravind Bolar, who is part of the cast of Wheel Chair, expressed gratitude for being offered a distinctive role in the film.
Bolar appealed to local audiences to support Konkani films with the same enthusiasm they extend to Tulu and Kannada releases. He said strong audience support would encourage filmmakers to continue creating films in regional languages and help strengthen the coastal film industry.
His presence in the cast is expected to add further interest among audiences familiar with his work in coastal cinema.
Director promises different narrative
Director Harry Fernandes Barkur introduced the concept of Wheel Chair and said the film would explore a fresh narrative within the Konkani film industry.
According to Fernandes, the project aims to combine entertainment with a meaningful moral message. He is handling several key creative responsibilities for the film, including the story, screenplay, dialogues and direction.
The filmmaker’s experience in the industry is expected to guide the project as it moves through production and eventually towards its release.
The co-producers, Deepak Paladka and Melwyn D’Souza, spoke about the journey behind the project and their shared commitment to the Konkani language.
They expressed confidence in Fernandes’ script and said their passion for Konkani and belief in the story had encouraged them to come together for the project.
Film brings together coastal personalities
The muhurat ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities from the coastal cultural and entertainment fraternity.
The dais was graced by Louis Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann; senior filmmaker Richard Castelino; Sr Jyothi BS, mother provincial of the Bethany Sisters; NRI entrepreneurs Francis D’Souza and Naomi D’Souza; and noted Goan artiste Prince Jacob.
The film’s lead pair, Elton Mascarenhas and Salomi Alvares, were also present at the event.
The gathering reflected the continued support of the Konkani cultural community for new cinematic projects and provided an opportunity for filmmakers, artistes, cultural leaders and members of the media to come together at the beginning of the production.
‘Wheel Chair’ aims to strengthen Konkani cinema
With Wheel Chair, the filmmakers are looking to offer audiences a different love story while retaining the entertainment value expected of a commercial regional film.
The project also comes at a time when regional cinema from coastal Karnataka continues to explore new stories and formats. Konkani filmmakers face the dual challenge of creating compelling content and ensuring that films receive adequate visibility among audiences.
The discussions at the muhurat ceremony underlined the importance of community support, professional publicity and theatrical patronage in strengthening Konkani cinema.
As production begins, Wheel Chair will carry the expectations of its cast, crew and producers, who hope the film’s distinctive narrative and emotional appeal will connect with audiences and contribute to the continued growth of Konkani cinema in the coastal region.