” Konkani Language Is One Of The Best Languages Of India”- P. CHANDRAKANTH

Chandrakanth has made a feature film in Konkani language which is titled ME N MY BABY which is based on the theme of women empowerment and Save The Girl Child Theory. Mohan Ayyer had a brief chat with him. Excerpts.

What inspired you to make the film ME N MY BABY ?

The sole Inspiration to make this film “Me N My Baby” is Mr.Mahesh Savani, Head of PP Savani Group (Diamond Merchant), who has adopted 472 girls throughout the State of Gujarat and monetarily helped these fatherless girls to get married. When everyone was criticizing the entire state governments on social media that they have rewarded every Olympic Player(2016) in lakhs of rupees but no one came forward to help the families of Uri Martyred Army Personnel’s, only one person came ahead and met the whole families of Uri attack jawans personally, helped them monetarily and took the responsibilities of their children education is Mahesh Savani (PP Savani Group). He is like my big brother and I would like to thank him for his strong support throughout the tenure of this entire project. Apart from it I would like to thank my brothers P.Prashanth and P.Srikanth who really supported me at each and every step for making this project a reality, and they seriously considered the research that i have done on the declining sex ratio in Goa and as well as throughout India. My best wishes for these three persons who really inspired me to make this feature film.

What were the experiences you encountered while making the film ME N MY BABY ?

The experiences were really in a differentiating manner. If i would take the shooting part of the film, would like to thank Damodar G.Naik (Ex- Vice chairman, Entertainment Society of Goa), Sanjeev Dalvi (Director, Health Services, Government of Goa) and the staff of Entertainment Society of Goa alongwith Government of Goa for providing me their total support for the noble cause. I enjoyed a lot throughout the shoot along with my crew and Goa being a favorite destination for the film shoot. Being a Goan ,i got the chance to shoot at some beautiful locations which have not been explored so far. If i would take the sponsorship part of this film, unfortunately which is the saddest part of this entire project. My own banks(with whom I bank with, and has given lot of business) are nationalized banks has shown least interest in the subject and were really concerned about the commercial returns with respect to the sponsorship. They never tried to understand the seriousness of the ongoing “Save the Girl Child” Issue and the concerns of the Central & State Governments regarding the declining Sex Ratio. At this stage i cant reveal the names of those banks due to some circumstances.

What are the plans to release the film ?

This film was a proper nomination for the forthcoming International Film Festival of India, 2016 at Goa under the category of Indian Panorama but unfortunately has not been selected for the reasons best known to the members of Jury and Directorate of Film Festivals. We are planning for its commercial release in the month of January 2017 with the help of Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as well.

Is the film sub-titled in English language ?

The film has been subtitled professionally in English for the various National and International audience. However we do have the plans to dub in Hindi so that it can reach every corner of India under the PAN India concept for raising awareness regarding the Save the Girl Child.

What are your plans for your next film? Will you make a Bollywood film this time?

Since my roots are from Bollywood, where in I have started my professional career from the TV Serial Balika Vadhu as an Assistant Director. My absolute concentration is in Bollywood where in i am coming up with some creative scripts for the cent percent amusement of audience with respect to their Entertainment. My upcoming Hindi project is a amalgam of both Pre and Post Independence subject wherein i have included typical experience a UK return girl in India. Being a Writer Director, i am sure that it would stand as a strong nomination for the next National Award Category.

How big is the Konkani film market ?

Konkani language is one of the best languages of India and deserves to be promoted from each and every angle. Although Goa is considered to be a small State but the Konkani Cinema has brighter prospects at National and International level. Since the Goans are spread throughout India and particularly if we speak about Europe, Portuguese is the best destination and if we speak about Middle East, Dubai is considered to be favorite destination for the Konkani Cinema. We do have plans to screen the film in Dubai and Portuguese as well so that the Goans staying over there will be having a comfort to taste the Konkan touch.