‘Sophiya’ super hit Konkani Movie produced under the banner Janet Noronha Productions and distributed by Sandhya Creations witnessed 2 houseful shows yesterday at the biggest screen Galleria Cinemas in Hyatt Regency, Dubai. With the expected demand for full house shows and the tickets got sold out much ahead of the screening many movie fans returned back without getting an opportunity to view the movie. Organizers personally regretted and assured additional shows for them soon with the dates to be fixed on getting theater screens and which will be published shortly. 2 more shows are already booked in Abu Dhabi & Sharjah where more than 70% of the booking is confirmed and sold. 2 more shows are being planned in Mussafah & Al Ain and will be announced shortly.

‘Sophiya’ fans assembled outside in large numbers near the theater much ahead of the time and were eagerly waiting for the show to begin. Soon they saw Actress Esther Noronha & Producer Janet Noronha arriving in Rolls Royce Classic car while the photographers and the videographers were clicking beautiful moments of their arrival. They were escorted into the premises where the Guests were waiting.
Inauguration with red ribbon cutting was held at the entrance of the Theatre jointly by well-known Philanthropist Guest Ronald Colaco & Rev. Fr. Robert Lasrado of St. Mary’s Church Dubai, while all other guests cheered up and entered the main hall of the Cinema.

Shodhan Prasad of Sandhya Creations distributor of the film, welcomed the Guests, audience and thanked for their whole hearted support in making ‘Sophiya’ hit with houseful shows in Dubai. He then briefed on the film which is being directed by Bollywood & Bhojpuri Ace Director Harry Fernandes and announced that SOPHIYA ran successfully for 50 days in Mangalore and was also screened successfully in Israel, London & other parts of Mumbai.

He then invited the Guests to do the proceedings of the Premier release and welcomed them to the front of the screen. Guest including Rev. Fr. Robert Lasrado of St. Mary’s Church Dubai & Ref. Fr. Maxim Cardoza from Jebel Ali Church and followed by Philanthropist & NRI Business man Rajyotswava Awardee, Ronald Colaco, Businessman Ronald Pinto (Sponsor), Lawrence Paul, Valerian Pereira, Ivan Fernandes, Michael D’Souza, Raju Francis Fernandes (whose representative presented a beautiful portrait of Esther Noronha), Frank Fernandes – President Tulu Nadochaya, Doctorate Honored, Producer & Businessman, Santosh Pereira. Smt. Lily & Roystan Balkunje, Actor of Sophiya who was honoured for being part of the celebration.

He then introduced the most beautiful, multi-talented & multi-lingual actress Esther Noronha who has created a good name in Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, Telugu & Hindi Films. Later he introduced the first ever female Producer of Konkani Movie, Janet Noronha who has put all her efforts in making Sophiya super hit production for Konkani Community.

Fr. Robert, Fr. Maxim & all the guests inaugurated the premier show with lighting the traditional lamp followed by prayer by Fr. Robert & Fr. Maxim who blessed the occasion and said that all the community members should support such initiatives taken by our own people and see that our mother tongue and our tradition is being promoted to keep it alive for our future generations to come.

On behalf of all the guests, Ronald Colaco spoke and in detail explained to the audience of the difficulties involved in the film production, presentation and distribution in all levels and that people need to understand that there are lot of pains involved in this process. He also stressed that our community should come forward and support those people whole heartedly take such initiatives in promoting our language and culture, so that more and more people in the community come forward and take up this risk for the sake of saving our community’s existence.

On the last note, Actress Esther Noronha spoke on behalf of Janet Noronha and thanked all her fans and audience for making SOPHIYA a super hit Konkani Film.

Second show at 4.30 was exclusively sponsored by Martin Aranha of Globelink West Star Shipping Company whose entire staff flocked in the theatre much ahead of the show and showed solidarity. The entire theatre was filled up with Globelink West Star Shipping Staff and families. Shodhan Prasad, just before the screening, thanked Managing Director Martin Aranha for supporting such an event and also thanked Senior Staff Sandra & Lavina Fernandes for taking responsibility of distributing the invitation.

Sonu Bantwal, Sameer Bolar, Ajay Nayak and others volunteered the entire programme.