A Goan Boy, A Konkani Film And A Dream That Took Flight
By Manu Shrivastava
Fame in Goa does not always emerge from the polished corridors of metropolitan studios, film schools or casting agencies. Sometimes, it reveals itself in the most unexpected of places - along a narrow village road lined with swaying coconut palms, leading towards an ancient temple where generations gather for worship and community celebrations.
A group of young boys suddenly broke away from a gathering and began racing across a temple precincts, shouting excitedly, "Vaimanik... Vaimanik!" Their enthusiasm initially appeared puzzling, but the reason soon became evident. They had spotted 15-year-old Soham Talkar, the young actor whose portrayal of Arjun in the Konkani feature film ‘Vaimanik – The Pilot’ has made him one of the most recognisable teenage faces in contemporary Goan cinema.
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| Soham Talkar with father Hemant and mother Sanjana (© The Draft) |
For the boys, Soham was no longer merely another student from Keri, in Pernem. He was the face they had seen on posters and promotional material across Goa, the young protagonist of a film that generated considerable attention during its screening at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2025 before reaching audiences through its theatrical release in early 2026.
With his image prominently displayed on hoardings, posters and publicity campaigns throughout the region, recognition had become almost inevitable. In villages and towns across Goa, ‘Vaimanik…’ had become more than a film. It had evolved into a local success story, one that audiences felt personally invested in because it emerged from their own landscapes and communities.
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| Soham with friend, classmate and co-actor Mahadev at the IFFI film screening in 2025 (© The Draft) |
Soham, for his part, appeared largely unfazed by the attention. The teenager greeted the enthusiasm with the easy composure of someone still adjusting to a level of recognition that remains both flattering and slightly surreal. There was little of the self-consciousness often associated with celebrity. Instead, he retained the demeanour of a village schoolboy who happened to find himself at the centre of a remarkable cinematic journey.
Standing quietly with other devotees, his mother watched the scene unfold with unmistakable pride as local children rushed to greet him. She neither sought attention nor attempted to join the gathering around him, choosing instead to observe from a distance with a mixture of affection, satisfaction and quiet disbelief.
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Soham’s father Hemant is a man of few words but his chest swells with pride every time someone talks about his son’s achievements.
The applause directed towards Soham served as a reminder of how an extraordinary opportunity had transformed an ordinary schoolboy from Keri into one of the most recognisable young faces in Goan cinema.
More importantly, it marked the culmination of a journey that had begun entirely by accident, with a school audition and no expectations of where it might lead. Watching her son become a source of pride not only for his family but also for his village, his mother seemed to recognise that ‘Vaimanik…’ had become more than a film. It had evolved into a story of possibility, one that resonated far beyond the screen and inspired an entire community to celebrate one of its own.
In that brief encounter outside a village temple, the story of ‘Vaimanik…’ seemed to come full circle. The film that had emerged from Goa's northernmost villages had returned to the very community that nurtured it, and the young actor who once walked these roads unnoticed now found himself celebrated by the people among whom he had grown up.
It was a scene devoid of glamour in the conventional sense, yet rich in authenticity, underscoring how cinema, at its most meaningful, remains deeply rooted in the places and people from which it originates.
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From A Keri Classroom To Vaimanik
When director Nitish Pires began casting for ‘Vaimanik…’, Soham Talkar was a Class IX student in Keri. Acting was nowhere on his radar.
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| Soham Talkar |
The opportunity came through a Keri local Siddharth Nagoji, who also acted in the film. What began as a casual audition soon led to Soham landing the lead role of Arjun in a film that premiered at IFFI 2025 and went on to become one of the most talked-about Konkani releases of 2026.
Shot largely in and around Keri and Tiracol, ‘Vaimanik…’ immersed Soham in a world far removed from the classroom. Long shooting schedules, intense heat, demanding locations and the discipline of filmmaking taught him lessons that extended well beyond acting.
In a chat with The Draft, the young actor reflects on the experience that turned him into a familiar face across Goa.
The Draft: How did ‘Vaimanik…’ happen?
Soham Talkar: I never planned to become an actor. The audition team came to our school, I performed a scene, and a few days later I was selected. It all happened very unexpectedly.
What do you remember about your first days on set?
I was nervous because everything was new. But Nitish Sir and the team made me comfortable very quickly. At first, I often did not even understand what was happening. For example, in the beginning, I was told to simply run from one place to another. Later, everything fell in place.
What was the most challenging part of the shoot?
The heat. We spent long hours outdoors and it was exhausting. Everyone worked very hard, often delaying meals to finish scenes. Even Laambi, the goat in the film, would get tired in the sun.
Did you understand the story while filming?
Not really. I knew it was about two brothers, but the scenes were shot out of sequence. I only understood the complete story when I watched the film at IFFI with my parents and friends.
Did the film change you in any way?
Definitely. Before the film, I wasn't very interested in acting or extracurricular activities. During the shoot, I became more disciplined and open to performing. I even shaved my head for the role, something I wouldn’t dream of doing.
How does it feel to be recognised today?
It is still surprising. People recognise me because of ‘Vaimanik…’ and that feels good. I am grateful that audiences, mostly from my age group, connected with the film and the character.
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