indian cinema heritage foundation

Gunaaji (2014)

  • Release DateJune 2014
  • LanguageKonkani
  • Run Time90 min
  • Length2404.47 meters
  • Gauge35 mm
  • Censor RatingU
  • Censor Certificate NumberDIL/1/39/2013 - Mumbai
  • Certificate Date30/08/2013
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Nilesh Newalkar is the Proprietor of Axis Constructions of Margao, Goa who hails from Davorlim. He has now diversified his activity towards the production of Konkani films and several films are now in his pipeline. This is his first venture. 
It is the story of a cowherd with a difference. Gunaaji is a cowherd who lives in a remote village of Goa along with his family, far from the madding crowd of the cities. Like all villages, it has its own Panchayat with the Sarpanch as its head. Commending his valuable work to the village, the Village Sarpanch names him for an award. It is due to the efforts of the Sarpanch that Gunaaji is the proud recipient of the award. 
Gunaaji has never stepped out of the village and is not connected to the world outside. He receives a letter from New Delhi that he is due for an award for being the best cowherd in the country. He has to proceed to New Delhi to receive this award at the hands of the President of India. 
Gunaaji is at sea as to how to handle this. All the family members are excited about this trip. The film explores how he single-handedly travels to New Delhi and the adventures he faces during his voyage. Eventually, he makes his trip to New Delhi.
At the function, he makes an emotional speech. In his speech, he is honest and advises on how one should take care of the animals. 
The story is narrated in an old-style and the scenery in the film is an attraction. Gunaaji’s role is played with conviction by award-winning artiste Upendra Limaye whereas his counterpart’s role is enacted by Dr. Meenacshi Martins. Damu Naik plays the role of the son whereas the daughter-in-law’s part is enacted by Mukta Barve Luis Bachan is in the garb of a South Indian.