Konkani Cinema: Movie 'Tarpana' shines with 50 housefull shows

The Konkani film “Tarpana,” based on the familial story in the Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community, spanning from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala to Mumbai in Maharashtra, premiered in America. The film has witnessed over 50 housefull shows in various cities across the country. The trailer has garnered over 50,000 views on YouTube.

First Screening in America

Konkani films are rarely produced, and good-quality Konkani films are even rarer. The success behind this film’s grand reception can be attributed to the director, IT entrepreneur Devdas Nayak. After a successful premiere in America on November 16, 2023, the film was also screened in Toronto, Canada, and Malaysia.

The first screening in India took place in Mangaluru, with recent screenings at Udupi’s Town Hall (Pura Bhavana). The film has had over 15 screenings each in Mumbai and Bengaluru and has also been shown in Manipal, Padubidri, Kundapura, and Puttur. Screenings are being organized based on demand.

Varied Viewership  

Although the story revolves around the GSB community, non-Konkani speakers and people from other religions have also watched “Tarpana.” Marathi and Hindi speakers attended the screenings in Mumbai, while Konkani-speaking Christians, Kannadigas, and Tuluvas watched and appreciated the film in the coastal regions of Karnataka. The film’s storyline, direction, and melodious music have entertained audiences from all communities.

English subtitles make the film accessible to everyone.

Relevance of the Storyline

The central theme of “Tarpana” is the conflict arising from ego between a father and son. This universal issue resonates with every household, making it appealing to audiences across languages and communities. Those interested in organizing screenings can contact devdasmulky@gmail.com.

Hopes for More Awards

Dr. Sandhya S. Pai, Managing Editor of “Taranga” weekly, praised the team’s efforts. The film has already won accolades at the Delhi Film Festival, Kalakari Festival, Dadasaheb Phalke Film Awards, and Indo-French Film Awards, and is expected to win more in the future.

Director Devdas Nayak expressed his joy over the audience’s appreciation for the limited screenings, aimed at bringing this artwork to the public.

Filmed in Mulki and Katapadi

Produced by Malshi Pictures & OM Productions, with backing from Veena Devanna Nayak and Avinash Shetty, the film is written and directed by Devdas Nayak. Mahesh D. Pai handled cinematography, while Karthik Mulki and his team managed music and singing. The cast includes Sanjay Savkur, Anuj Nayak, Meera Naimpally, Madhura Shenoy, Jayaprakash Bhat, and others.

Devdas Nayak wrote all three songs, and the casting was done through auditions.

Filming took place over 15 days in Mulki and Katapadi, with the complete shoot in Mulki and temple scenes in Katapadi. Sanjay, an NRI from America who understood the depth of the story and character development, traveled to India to play his part, highlighting the film’s quality.