Vardhan V. Kamat tells NT BUZZ how a tea break at a local stall led to him directing his first feature film ‘Umesh’
CHRISTINE MACHADO
In ‘Umesh’, a new Konkani feature that has just released, two aspiring filmmakers visiting a local tea stall, encounter a man who leaves them intrigued. Unaware of his troubled past, but determined to learn more about him, the duo decides to capture his story on camera. The film then proceeds down a thought-provoking path, exploring themes like the importance of human connection, the impact of societal judgement, and the resilience of an individual who chose to find peace on his own terms.
Not many viewers however are aware that the plot of the film mirrors its genesis.
“Back in 2019, my friend Sushant Naik and I were rehearsing for a play,” recounts Vardhan V. Kamat, who has over 25 years of experience in the theatre field. Deciding to take a break, the duo visited a local tea shop. “As we observed various individuals in the village entering that shop we were struck with the idea of making a film around this setting,” he shares, adding that the characters of the two filmmakers in the film are based on him and Sushant and the experiences they have had during their theatrical journey.
After Kamat wrote the script, they began looking around for funding. “While a few people did like the story, they were not ready to invest because the Konkani film market is very small. They stated that if we did it in Marathi instead, then they would be willing. But we were very firm that this film has to be made in Konkani,” says Kamat, who has previously directed short films.
To get around this challenge, the group decided to try experimenting with shooting the film on an iphone. But they were unhappy with the quality. It was then that Kamat learned that Gurunath Patade was interested in making a film. After a lot of deliberations, Patade came onboard as producer while Gaurav Gokhale was onboarded as the cinematographer and editor.
“During the auditions for the actors, we did not give participants any script in hand, just some pointers on the situation that they had to act out. So we judged the actors depending on how well they could improvise a particular scenario,” says Kamat, adding that because of this, his work as director was made easier later since he did not have to mould the actors. “I would just give them some pointers and they could come out with their interpretation,” he says.
Produced by Guru & Associates Productions, the team initially planned to submit the 95-minute film for IFFI last year, but they missed the deadline. However the film was part of the NFDC Film Bazaar where it was met with a good response.
“Initially, our plan was only to submit it for festivals but we decided to give it a shot and release the film for everyone to watch it,” says Kamat, adding that since its release the film has been getting positive reviews. “Because people now are watching different types of films on OTT platforms, their taste has evolved. In fact, a few of the audience members told me that they have stepped away from Bollywood in the last few years. Probably, that has helped us get good reviews for this particular film,” he says, adding that he has no plans to take the film to OTT platforms for now. “At the moment, we are only doing theatrical shows. Our next show at Maquinez Palace, Panaji, will be on April 18,” he says.
SYNOPSIS
Once a local hero, Umesh now lives a reclusive life in a rural Goan village, surviving on odd jobs and haunted by an unspoken past. His only constant is the tea stall he can no longer afford. When two aspiring filmmakers, Anton and Rohan, arrive, they are drawn to his enigmatic nature, hoping to capture his story.
But as they begin to uncover the truth, they encounter a wall of local rumour and suspicion. Their persistent investigation reveals not a failure, but a forgotten talent and a deep-seated reason for Umesh’s isolation. A fragile trust begins to form between the filmmakers and their subject, but as the camera gets closer, Umesh’s wariness grows. What is he truly hiding? And what happens when a story you’re trying to tell becomes a truth you can’t control?
Actors: John D Silva, Amar Chari, Sushant Nayak, C D Silva, Rati Bhatikar, Madhuri Shetkar
