BY DANIEL F DE SOUZA

MANFA VIDEO has just released the VCD/DVD of Annie Quadros’ first Konkani video film entitled Pearl. It may be recalled that Annie Quadros had premiered the film at the Gomant Vidya Niketan on November 9, 2009 and, thereafter, the film was officially released in Kuwait and Dubai during her visit there with Prince Jacob’s troupe.

Being her first venture into ‘film’, Annie Quadros has taken real pains to bring forth a commendable presentation. Pearl is a sublime love story with a difference and the difference unfolds during the last 20 minutes of the film. I do not wish to expose the story much more in detail; the very fact that I have said it is a love story gives one reason enough to watch the film from the comfort of your home on home video. The love story though is three-pronged and that is what makes the suspense much more interesting. There is someone who is madly in love, and there is someone who is pretending to be truly in love and there is yet someone else who hopes and pines day in and day out for someone to love him. It is love that sustains the story till the very end and brings it to a logical conclusion. The first half of the two-hour film appears to be unusually slow, but it picks up after the intermission and remains so till the final shot, which makes interesting viewing.

FIRST-TIMERS

ANNIE has put together a young team of actors, some of whom have faced the camera for the very first time. The lead female artist, Sandra, makes every effort to look good as well as natural in her intimate shots with her boyfriend but, in a few instances, one can notice a shade of stiffness in her. Otherwise, her diction is good and emotes well. Keisha, though a first timer, plays a negative role and is natural. She comes out confidently as a mature artist. She ably supports the lead pair till the end. Elvis, as the hero, is most suitable for the role and lends his voice admirably for the songs as well. Kanika has given a good account as the supporting actor, while Bernard, Prince Jacob, Jr. Reagan, Jacinto, Pia and Joe Rose play their respective roles well.

Humberto-Selvy-Diana is the trinity entrusted with the comedy, which is well integrated in the plot and placed at appropriate intervals. They evoke good laughter and versatile Diana is the pick of the three in a comedy role. Annie Quadros plays the mother, a role which is well defined and brings out her acting talents with natural flair.

The film has a few songs which are well shot at outdoor locations with scintillating musical scores. The locations too are well scouted which enhances the overall beauty of the film. Lenoy Gomendes, who has scored the musical score for the film, has done a professional job. Joywin Fernandes, a name to reckon with in Konkani video films in Goa, has done the videography and editing. It has come out well, but a few shots appeared to be found wanting with the aperture/contrast settings. Overall, Pearl is a good film and should find a good following among the college going youth for its romantic story and content. The VCD is priced at just Rs.200, comprising of two CDs and is available at all leading music stores in Goa.