GOAN OBSERVER also focuses on the first ever Konkani film Aleesha  made in 35mm format which is short-listed for screening in the competitive section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held from November 29th. Rajendra Talak,  the director of the film who is a leading builder, told GOAN OBSERVER that the focus of the film was the inherent conflict between environmentalists and industrialists.

 Title: Aleesha

 Lead stars: Priyanka Bidye and Tapan Acharya.

 Director: Rajendra Talak

 Executive Producer: Sharmad Raiturkar

 Cinematographer: Debo Deodhar

 Lyricist: Shridhar Kamat

 Music Director: Ashok Patki

 Dailogue and screenplay: Bhai Mauzo

 AN ARDENT ENVIRONMENTALIST married into a family of industrialists; Aleesha finds herself in a difficult position. In her struggle to expose blatant violations and the flouting of rules, she comes into conflict with her family’s business interests. ‘The co-existence of an eco-friendly industry with nature being the need of the hour’ is the theme of the soon-to-be-released Konkani film ‘Aleesha,’ made under the banner of Rajendra Talak creations.  The entire cast is Goan and the title role is played by talented and upcoming actress Priyanka Bidye, while Tapan Acharya plays her husband. The other actors who have parts in Aleesha are Dr. Vijay Thali and Arshalata as well as Prince Jacob and Lorna who have put in guest appearances.

 Aleesha is the directorial debut of Rajendra Talak, a man who has been in theatre for the last twenty years. After having worked on every conceivable part of the stage (as spot boy, actor, lighting technician), Rajendra Talak decided to make the transition to film. What inspired him to make a movie on a subject which is very much relevant to Goa? “All artists are nature friendly. There should be a balance between economy and nature. Moreover, this is a topic that every Goan should think about and after they have watched Aleesha, they will be touched by the story.”

 Talak’s choice of a female protagonist is indeed rare, especially in a male dominated society. Why choose a woman to be the protagonist? “It has always been said that behind the success of every man is a woman. In this film, there is a woman behind a good idea.  Also Aleesha, being married into a family of industrialists, has the power to bring about change. Industrialists are influential, and if they want to, they can be instrumental in ensuring that economy and industry co-exist harmoniously.” So has he targeted any particular industry through the film? “Aleesha refers to any and every industry. The film is totally authentic, based on facts and there is no masala.” Talak, himself being in the construction business, faces the very same conflict everyday. A firm believer of practicing what he preaches, Talak says he ensures that the environment is not affected by the construction work he undertakes.  

 When asked why more people had not come forth to produce Konkani films, Talak opined that it was merely due to a lack of technical know-how. He feels that though there is immense talent and potential in the state, Goans lack dedication.  A situation that is fast changing. “Though we are technically far behind than the rest, there is definitely a future in Goan cinema.”

 Though Aleesha is his maiden directorial venture, Talak is no stranger to films. He has previously worked on the first Konkani telefilm Shitu which was well received by the audience. A job which enabled him to learn many things about filmmaking, skills which he put to good use while directing Aleesha. Talak is confident that Aleesha will be a hit with the public. Though the film, which is in the editing stage, was scheduled to be released on the 11th of December, 2004, Talak hopes Aleesha will be ready by the 25th of November, so that it can be screened at the International Film Festival of India which will begin from November 29.    

                                                                   By Jonquil Sudhir

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