THE GOAN
PANAJI
Playing Alia, an actress from Parbhani who is in Goa for a film shoot, actor Ruchira Jadhav portrays one of the three actresses whose characters set the events of Mamachya Govyala Jauya in motion. Directed by Viju Mane, the Marathi comedy-drama was released on July 31. The story follows three friends whose free trip to Goa turns chaotic after an unexpected event involving an old college buddy. Speaking about her role, Ruchira says, "My character, Alia, is one of the reasons the twists and turns begin to unfold, eventually landing the college friends in trouble. That is how the story progresses."
Goa is more than just the setting for the film. Several key scenes unfold across the state, making it an important part of the narrative. Having spent a few weeks shooting here gave Ruchira the chance to revisit a destination she has loved for years. Like many visitors, Ruchira finds herself drawn to Goa's relaxed atmosphere and scenic beauty. “I am a sunset lover. I love watching sunsets, and Goa has some of the most beautiful ones,” she says. While the beaches remain a favourite, she enjoys exploring other facets of the state too. “South Goa has a different vibe, and North Goa has its own vibe. I personally find South Goa quieter. I am also very fond of the colourful streets of Fontainhas,” she adds. If her stay in Goa extends beyond a few days, there is one place she never misses. “I make sure I visit the Mangueshi Temple whenever I am in Goa for a longer stay,” she shares.
Her connection with Goa, however, goes back much further than the film. Growing up in the Konkan region, family holidays to the state became a cherished tradition. “Being from the Konkan region, Goa has always been one of our family's favourite destinations. I still remember when all of us travelled together by bus for a Goa trip. Visiting the beaches and spending time together remains one of my core memories,” she recalls.
Those fond memories were accompanied by the demanding realities of filming in Goa's summer. Anyone familiar with the state's climate knows just how intense the heat and humidity can be. With much of the film shot during March and April, the cast had to work through some of the hottest months of the year. While audiences see polished performances on screen, maintaining that picture-perfect appearance through long shooting schedules was far from easy. "The audience sees all the glamour on screen, but the real challenge is maintaining that look despite the heat, sweat and humidity. Continuously looking glamorous was quite a task," she says with a laugh.
Interestingly, the movie was one of the several reasons that brought Ruchira to Goa this year. Between film shoots and music projects, she found herself travelling to the state almost every month this year. Despite the hectic schedule, she describes this shoot as a smooth experience. “The permits were in place, and the shoot was hassle-free. Even the public was very cooperative,” she says, adding that residents readily helped during crowd sequences, making it easier for the crew to film mob scenes.
For many, shooting in Goa sounds like the perfect work assignment, but Ruchira says the reality was far from a holiday. “Even we thought we would get a little breather, but that was not the case. Beaches are where most people come to relax, but I ended up filming my action scenes there,” she says. Although the film captures the fun and chaos of a Goa vacation, the cast and crew had very little time to enjoy the destination themselves. Their days began before sunrise and often stretched late into the night. “Everyone thought shooting in Goa means majja (fun), but our days were packed. We started shooting at 5 or 6 in the morning and wrapped up only around 11 at night. We hardly got time to do anything else,” she says.
While the movie promises laughter, unexpected twists and the unmistakable charm of Goa, for Ruchira, the experience will be remembered for much more than what made it to the screen. From enduring long days under the Goan sun to reconnecting with a place that has been part of her life since childhood, the shoot became a journey in itself. The warmth of the people, the memories created on set, and the opportunity to once again visit a place she has always loved added another cherished chapter to her enduring bond with Goa.
