Zanvoy No.1 is a multi-starrer movie that will glue you to your seats, says Cyril Castelino

A Harry Fernandes directed movie Zanvoy No. 1 is releasing on May 12th, 2018 in Goa. It is ‘Sangati Creations’ maiden venture, with Cyril Castelino, Leo Fernandes and Walter D’Souza as the producers of this multi starrer Konkani film. We got the opportunity to talk to Mr. Cyril Castelino, one of the producers of Zanvoy No.1 who is in Goa for the promotion of the film. Here is what he has to say about this exciting new venture and growth of Konkani Cinema.  

You have been part of the Mangalorean film industry. What inspired you to shift your focus to Konkani Cinema?

I was actually born in Goa. So I am a true Goan. Mangalore became my second home where I grew up, got educated and eventually gave me the opportunity to work for the film industry there. Then I moved to Mumbai for work. So basically I have my roots both in Mumbai and Mangalore, but my heart belonged to my hometown Goa. After producing a series of Mangalorean films, I decided to move my focus to the Konkani Cinema. I want to contribute as much as possible to Konkani film industry and promote Konkani cinema beyond the Goan and Indian boundaries. The Goan film industry is witnessing a tremendous transformation and is now being acknowledged and rewarded at a national level. It makes me immensely proud to see Konkani film fraternity developing and growing at an excellent pace.

Tell us about Zanvoy No. 1 and your experience while producing this movie.

As you know, this movie is a multi-starrer, packed with thrills, action, comedy, romance and high voltage drama. The actors Varsha Usgaonkar who is playing Kevin D’mello’s mother-in-law and mother to Josita Anola Rodrigues in the movie have done a fabulous job. Varsha has achieved a name in Bollywood, but her enthusiasm towards this movie was incredible. Not once did she made anyone feel that she is a big artist with a bigger name. She supported us immensely, and we were able to be on schedule primarily because of her dedication and commitment towards the film. We had been auditioning many artists for the male lead but Harry, Prince and me, found Kevin D’mello to fit the bill entirely. It was a joyful experience working with such talent and enthusiastic artists who have so much love and respect for the Konkani films. Then we have Prince Jacob who is such a legendary artist and has done many hit Konkani films in his career. He is playing brother to Varsha in the movie, and many more characters in the movie. Just watch out for him. Apart from them, we have Stany Alvares, Rons London, Sujatha Andrade, Ranjitha Lewis, Lyshon Fernandes and Dubai Deepak Paladka from Dubai fame who have contributed marvellously to the characters of the movie.

The film is a complete family drama, profoundly fusing in the rich cultural heritage of Goa and the lifestyle of the Goans. People will get to see all the emotions and actions that they anticipate for in such a movie. The movie carries a message of the importance of an integrated family, portraying the soul of Goa and its traditions. Konkani culture is unique, and you won’t find it anywhere else. And that is what we have captured in this movie. The film has both Mangalorean and Konkani artist that makes it rich with talents from both worlds and will help us reach to both sides of the audiences.

It is the first time in my career that we started a film with a lot of planning, with the complete script direction plan, team and locations decided beforehand. We had planned the schedule for the shoot for approximately 22 days. We finished the film within 21 days without any incidents or delays. Such was the professionalism and collaboration within the team. It is for the first time in the history of Konkani Cinema that a Konkani film has got so much appreciation and is releasing in 13 theatres.

Any new projects in the pipeline for release this year?

Currently, I am focusing on the promotion of Zanvoy No. 1. The team has just been to Mangalore for the first round of promotions, and right now we are here in Goa. Next stop will be Mumbai. Then as per schedule, we will go to Dubai and then move forward to Iran, Bahrain,   

The audio release was done last year both in India and abroad, and we received tremendous response from all the places. The premiere of the movie is scheduled on 9^th of May 2018 at ESG in Panjim, Goa. The whole team of the film will be here for the occasion.

It was a fantastic experience working with this team, and I plan to work with them in the near future. As of now, there is one more release scheduled before the end of this year. You will come to know about it soon. Right now I want the Goans to go and watch Zanvoy No.1 at the theatres. It is out on May 12^th, 2018.

The star cast of the movie is outshining the film itself which includes Bollywood famed Varsha Usgaonkar and Goan Superstar Kevin D’mello as the leading actors in the movie. The movie has more gems in it – Josita Anola Rodrigues an international model and ‘Miss South Asia Teen’ and finalist of ‘World Teen Super Model of South Asia’, supported by ‘Comedy King of Goa’ Prince Jacob, Stany Alvares, Rons London, Sujatha Andrade, Ranjitha Lewis, Lyshon Fernandes and well-known star actor of Dubai Deepak Paladka.

The production team included cameraman Shafeeque Shaik who has captured the entire movie beautifully and crisply edited by Editor Abhishek Mhaskar. The scintillating music is being composed by trio Eric Ozario, Jerry Bondel and Gunwant Sen and the lyrics penned by Jerry Bondel, Llyod Rego and Harry Fernandes. Naveen Shetty directed the action sequences, of the movie ‘Chennai Express’ fame, has brilliantly done his job while production controller Karel Prem D’Souza was in full control of the whole production team.

‘Zanvoy No.1’ is predicted to create a new landmark in the Konkani film industry.

THE INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY MS. NIDHI LAL, SENIOR CONTENT WRITER AT INCREDIBLE GOA