John Owen : Take a Bow

Some films do see the light of the day even if it is just for a day or one screening. The Goa Run(name of the film in the festival) or ‘Peter Gaya Kaam Sey'(in Hindi) will have its only screening in the world at the prestigious Raindance Film Festival of London on 27th September 2014 at 1 pm. The film which has a huge backstory must be feeling extremely proud as it is being showcased at one of the best movie theatre in the world at the Lester Square, London.

Peter Gaya Kaam Sey/The Goa Run is the second film that I had shot for after Aamir but it was not released for reasons best known to the producers. This is one film which consumed a lot from a lot of us but gave a lot of joy to us as well while shooting mostly owing to the team and the camaraderie. We had a team of more than 70 people working on it. The whole team had put in a lot of hard work but one guy who gave almost everything to it is John Owen, the director of the film. Be it pre production, shooting or post production John was giving every bit of him to the film. Little did he know or imagine that his passion and devotion is being spent on something which won’t yield anything. By the time he was through with the film I guess the producers were also through with the film. They had apparently buried the film much before John was done with it. As time passed all those associated with the film, including me, started drifting away emotionally and physically as the producers had no intent of releasing it. But one person who refused to part with his hard work was John. The captain of the ship was the only one left on the ship when all others had abandoned the ship. He refused to accept his fate which didn’t have his handwriting on it and held on steadfastly to his belief in the film. They say ‘success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm’ and John has proved it. For me he is one of the biggest success stories.

A Brit by descent, John had made this film in Hindi. John loves Goa and he knows Goa better than some Goans do. He had initially decided to make this film in English because that is the only language he knows. But when he took his story to UTV, they decided to make this film in Hindi. John took the challenge even though he knew that it will not be a cakewalk for him. He had to sit with translators day in day out monitoring every line, every emotion and ensuring that the story which he had written in English doesn’t get lost in translation. Drafts after drafts were written and John spent almost a year to reach his shooting script. The gruelling 55 day shoot in Goa must have taken off many years from John’s life as he had to pay attention to the smallest detail as he did not understand the language. Shooting through the day, watching his footage in the night before sleeping and planning the next days shoot was his routine every single day for nearly 55 days. His homework was so immense that not even for a moment we actors thought we are working with a guy who doesn’t understand the language and yet he is making a Hindi feature film. He knew exactly what he wanted even though he did not understand what we were speaking. He had a very hard working team who assisted him with fierce loyalty – a team who would not compromise till they would deliver what their boss expected.

The post production went on for almost two years with John working meticulously on every department in the post. He had some very sound professionals working for him who were also stretching themselves for the undying commitment and passion of John. I know that without them John would have found it very difficult to finish the film. But somewhere towards the end John began to realise that the producers are shelving the film. John knocked from door to door of the concerned people to request them to give the film it’s due but their was no response from inside. It gets very difficult to get decisions reversed in a big corporate. The doors were shutting on John and the delay was taking its toll. Somewhere at this stage I too drifted away from the film and lost touch with John. I know a lot happened in John’s life from here on but I am not going to talk about what he had lost personally, financially or mentally in these four years. On the contrary I want to muster support for him by talking about his self belief, steadfastness and resolve.

Last I heard from John himself was about a few months back when he shared the delightful news about ‘Peter Gaya Kaam Sey’ being selected by the Raindance guys for an exclusive screening. And the excitement in his voice had some pride to it as well. The film was selected by the jury which means it made it on its own merit. I was stunned for a moment as I had imagined by now John must have accepted his fate and come to terms with it. But wait! I was wrong!! John has not called it quits yet and the game is on till you don’t quit! So it was back to this Brit guy with a ‘never say die attitude’ and as energetic as ever. Things had changed but not the challenges for John. He had this arduous task ahead of him to request and convince Disney now to allow him just one screening. Why Disney is because the mega corporate had taken over UTV a few years back and Peter Gaya Kaam Sey was a Disney property now. So John started knocking on the doors of the new corporate again but this time to just give him one screening. This one screening was very important for John as it is more for his ailing mom – Thelma, than for the world. All these years when John was fighting to stay afloat it was Thelma who was infusing strength in him. Like a textbook mom, Thelma stood behind her son like a rock. After repeated requests by both John and his mom to the who’s who in Disney John was granted one screening. Disney agreed to pull out the film from the closet it had locked many years back and allow John to have one screening.

I am the happiest after John and Thelma(John’s rock star mom) about this screening even if this is, in the present scenario, the only screening this film would ever get. For me it is John Owen’s victory and the saga will get over, if it gets over, with a bow. I am hoping that the film runs to a packed house and get a farewell it deserves. This could be the only case where a film gets its premiere and farewell in one screening! So those in UK please don’t miss the super exclusive screening of ‘The Goa Run’ aka ‘Peter Gaya Kaam Sey’ at the Raindance Film Festival on 27th September 2014 at 1 pm.

 

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38 comments on “John Owen : Take a Bow

  1. Firstly A BIIIIIIIIIGGGGGG HAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIII :)

    Finally here it is !Don’t know since when I have been waiting for this. Whatever you write,be it your life experiences,about others or your views on certain issues and circumstances,it takes us to a different level of thinking or helps us to revisit our forgotten self.
    The story of “THE GOA RUN” or “PETER GAYA KAAM SE” definitely gives our mind,thoughts and feelings a RUN. John Owen- A perfect example of what we can call “Man writes his own destiny!” And it reminds me of Paulo’s quote-“When you really want something all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it!”
    So certainly,John Owen-Take a Bow! And a further bow to Madam Thelma-the Iron lady who stood with him throughout unshaken.His dedication and self belief has highly influenced me.It is awe- inspiring. I’m sure each one of us here truly respect this man for what he has done and shown us.He has proved-“WHERE THERE IS A WILL,THERE IS A WAY!” And that there is nothing IMPOSSIBLE . There is only I’M POSSIBLE! While reading through this I’m not sure whether I got goosebumps first or did I feel those tears fall on my hand-all I can say is it touched my soul.
    Endless thanks to you for sharing this with us. It has helped to shun away our docile nature and face the world more positively and bravely.I’m extremely happy for you.I truly wish,hope and pray that the movie run to packed houses at the prestigious Raindance Festival.The hard work and dedication put in by each and everyone of you has to bear its tastiest fruit.All is well that ends well-You have taken us through the making of the film. You take so much effort in explaining everything in detail,it would have been all the more well if we all could also have a chance for a date with Peter. Wishing the movie a grand opening and sooper success,I’m sure our day will also come. Someday we will also get to watch it and get on a ride in his vrooooooom :)
    Until then fingers crossed!

    Loads love to you forever
    Keep smiling :) Keep Shining :) And Keep Blogging :)

    Remya :)

  2. congratulations! Rajeev 4 ur movie premier… m sure ur movie will rock and wil b loved and seen by everyone… i wish ur movie will release soon… dying to c u… luv u :-*

  3. Hats off….n congratulations to whole team of d movie n each n every RK fan….So happy to read dis update….n yes hero…i loved d way u hav narrated d whole thing…nw wd b waiting to watch it here in India….:))
    Owen sir….take a bow…4m my side too :)

  4. Love reading what you write. Please write more often. Waiting to hear the reaction of The Goa Run and hoping that I get to see it too.

  5. Got introduced to Peter on June 13 2008. Since then every small piece of news about the football crazy, taxi bike rider, including the red camera (that didn’t happen), the numerous possible heroines (your first cinema costar), your excitement filled mails and interviews from Goa, the contest, the photos from the shoo, the first posters of you with the cigarette, your bike, the ride through mumbai for sbs, kept us hooked.
    Peter’s last assignment before leaving the city in search of a job, the half British female agent, the love angle, stirred the imagination.

    Then we began to hear about the postponement of the release dates, about top technicians working on the post production, the editing, and about the creative differences between the director and producers. Slowly over the past few years it finally began to sink in that we will not get to see him. And now we know he will not be seen and enjoyed in the way he should be.
    Peter was special, he stirred the imagination for long. Peter flattered to deceive. All of us got screwed.

    Very sad. They say releasing a movie is like giving birth to a baby. Experience tells giving birth is a piece of cake when compared to this turmoil.
    Happy Peter was not aborted or is a still born. Happy that he will have his moments under the sun. Pray he creates an impact and is talked about and remembered for long.

    Peter means Rock. You wanted him to be one of the foundations on which your career will be built upon. It did not happen. Man proposes, forces that are beyond his control dispose it. Would your fate be different if peter was your second…..
    Peter was John O’s baby, his hard work, his efforts, later it was his belief, his patience, his knocking on doors, his pleas and his perseverance but ultimately the screening, the moment of glory on Sept 27th is because of that powerful entity who were benevolent and granted him permission is it not….

    How much is our writing….

    You must have learnt so many many lessons. The uncertainty, the risks, the stakes are very high in your industry. People like you and your director who have a passion to tell a story differently get a raw deal.

    Thelma fought for her son, John O fought for his mom, happy for them, but as a die hard fan whose thoughts are only for her object of interest is there anything for you in their fight…. You are standing by your captain in his time of need. You tweets and this blog are just for him and in acknowledgement of his spirit and efforts. This is very nice of you :-)

    Will it be foolish to still hope that i will get to see him in a theater. Will it be like living in a Fool’s Paradise!!! Weeelll will be one and will still hope the movie releases in the way it should and people who matter get to see it and it does good for you. Wish you are there at the screening and it is a full house. And as you often say you are indeed a film festival actor :-) . An international one at that :-)

    Wish ‘The Goa Run’ screening in the world’s best theater is like a ‘The Dry Run’ and this is not ‘The Last Post’ for Peter on your blog.

  6. Hey rajeev…
    I’m a big fan of urz since class 8 & now m n m.a.
    I watched ur each and every show; film and serial….
    This is d first time dt I shall miss since I study in Delhi & my house is in Kolkata…itz impossible 4 m 2 go 2 UK r8 now ….
    I’m jealous of ur fans of UK….

    • That’s really sweet of you. You don’t need to go to UK. I will try to bring much more here for you :) my love and best wishes to you Pritha.

  7. A big Congratulations to you Rajeev Sir.. though i too wish that we Indians too get the opportunity to see your film Peter Gaya Kaam Se…. Then too a Big Congrats to you and your whole team.. :) Hope we see you soon.. :D

    Regards,

  8. Every member on board gave their best to this movie, selection in the prestigious Raindance Film Festival proves that and hardwork is always rewarded, sometimes later than we hoped or expected. This movie meant so much to so many people-to John,to you,to all those who were related to it in some way n to all of us who were related emotionally. Everyone’s patience was tested but the way John stood by this film is really commendable,but this film deserves more,it deserves to be seen,appreciated and loved by many and it will be.It will surely be released here too.It may take a year or two or five,I dont know but we will get to see it. A battle has been won,another remains……..

  9. Hi Rajeev,
    Many many congratulations to you. I’m so happy as we all were waiting for the release of Peter Gaya Kaam Se…. but i’m l’il sad too….i wish i could see it…anyways, i hope i could see PGKS in coming days… All the very best Rajeev (y) The Goa Run is definitely going to rock :) Thanx a ton for updating the blog. It really feels great whenever you write for ur fans :)

    Your an ordinary fan
    Swati Jaiswal
    From – Ratlam (M.P.)

  10. SALUTATIONS ! John Owen Sir,
    You didn’t let it go–H-honesty ,O-optimism,P-positivity (perseverance ) E-endeavour— HURRAY TO HOPE !!! ALL THE BEST FOR THE GOA RUN—-WINNER DECLARED!!!!!!!

  11. A very big congratzzzzz….!!!!M Very happy after reading your blog post my cute RAJEEV :) w8ng to see ur movie…& also wishing Alot oV success…..love u RAJEEV….
    Ayesha choudhry LAHORE..PAKISTAN…

  12. Hi Rajeev!
    I’m really very happy to hear it from you that your film is going to have at least one screening. Your London fans indeed are very lucky :) I really pray that ‘Peter Gaya Kaam Se’ will release round the Globe One Day :) Hope everything goes well and John get what he deserves. As he is undoubtedly a very passionate person.

    Congratulations to you specially for the film because you were too at sometime back very passionate about the film as it would have been your second release after Aamir (2008).

    Wish you, your film & your future projects A Very Good Luck :) Keep Rocking, Keep Shining & Most importantly Keep Smiling :)

    Your Big Well wisher/Admirer/Fan………
    Farwa Kazmi……Lahore…..Pakistan……

  13. Hi King
    I really miss ur writes here..
    All these r really inspiring..
    And
    Today also..
    ur write about John Owen Sir and his struggle.

    I really admire the way u described dem..

    U wrote about his struggle his hardwork her mother’s support..

    Still u maintained his privacy by not telling wat he lost in past four years.

    And it touch my soul.

    And by this wat I realized is BO Collection is not a subject but appriciation by fans is wat really matters..

    I m really happy for those Rajeevianz who will b in London to attend d premiere..

    Still I hope somehow it can get more screenings..

    After that is all in hands of Almighty.

    Love you sooo much
    Ur fan
    Kitty
    From Ranchi

  14. Hi RK..
    Congratulations!!! 2 both of u RK nd John Owen sir. I’m really Happy to read your blog update RK about PGKS (Goa Run) and Hats off 2 u sir for your positivity nd your efforts …..
    ALL THE VERY BEST RK ND JOHN OWEN SIR……
    My best wishes always with u
    keep smiling always :)
    shine on :)

  15. Hi..Congratulations!!! 2 both of u RK nd John Owen sir. I’m really Happy to read your blog update RK about PGKS (Goa Run) and Hats off 2 u sir for your positivity nd your efforts …..
    ALL THE VERY BEST RK ND JOHN OWEN SIR……
    My best wishes always with u
    keep smiling always :)
    shine on :)

  16. Hi..Congratulations!!! 2 both of u RK nd John Owen sir. I’m really Happy to read your blog update RK about PGKS (Goa Run) and Hats off 2 u sir for your positivity nd your efforts …..
    ALL THE VERY BEST RK ND JOHN OWEN SIR……
    My best wishes always with u
    keep smiling always :)
    shine on :)

  17. Dear Rajeev,
    I am so proud that this film is finally getting a screening. I really really wish I had been in London to catch a glimpse of this film. But nevertheless I am still happy that the film is getting a screening- reason? Good films are recognized at such screenings- often one screening leads to another screening as well, and these screenings are a market for potential buyers which later help in an extended release. Yes, I too am still holding onto hope. :)
    I am so sure that if PGKS had been made today, it would have attracted a lot of interest thanks to its different treatment and concept- quirky, out of the box stuff is appreciated a lot more today than it was few years back, studio houses are even willing to bet on such risky stuff if only to gain entry into film festivals and enhance their own resume, even the production house you spoke about is actively backing such films today.
    I sincerely hope and pray PGKS gets all the appreciation it deserves at this screening, and this little step opens up avenues for more! My congratulations to John, Thelma and the entire team of PGKS/The Goa run.
    PS: Hope you attend the festival too!

  18. Heartiest congratulations! Very happy that Peter Gaya Kaam Se is going to be featured in Raindance Film Festival..Wish u and entire team of Peter Gaya Kaam Se Good Luck

  19. Hi Rajeev,

    Many Congratulations :) :). Very very happy to know that the movie PGKS or (Goa Run), will see the day light. How beautifully you have written about the movie and John sir’s efforts. Reading through the events of the movie was in itself a journey. The efforts of John Owen Sir are finally paid off. Mere perseverance has defeated the failure. A true success story, I agree. And I am sure it will definitely run a packed house on 27th Sept. 2014. And it may happen that the producers may change their mind and the movie will be released all over worldwide.

    I always believe in, Never lose hope kind of attitude and my belief has gone more stronger , looking at John Owen Sir’s tremendous will power and his belief in his efforts. Hats off to him . He deserves the best forever.

    All my best wishes with you and John Sir too.

    Jyoti

  20. A bigggg Hi! Wid bigggggg wali huggs to u for giving us such a good news…
    After reading Ur words my heart has gained a lot of respect towards John sir
    Trully #Inspirational model for us..his story tells us about the journey of everyone’s life but the difference iz; He never loosed his faith on his work, which lacks in us!
    At_last many many congratulations my beat..
    Our roCkstar has got support of soOper roCk_star mom so i know success will be urs :)

    lotsa luv to u and best wishes to the whole team of “The Goa Run”(Peter gaya kam sey).
    Just hitttt the theatre.. Huggs!!

  21. Hii rockstar. ! CONGRATULATIONS RAJEEV AND JOWN WELLDONE GUYS AWE JOB. well rajeev very to see u blog and rajeev kya peter gaya kaam se hum dekha sakey gye u said only1 screening sad but best of luck inshaallah film rock krey gi dont hum Sab duwa krey gye waiting for awesome newz

  22. Hey Rockstar so glad to hear from you about PGKS. Hope the film is appreciated by all at the Raindance Film Festival. Wish we could be even lucky enough to watch you as Peter. Nevertheless we wish you, John Owen & the team of PGKS all the very best.

    Lots of love to you
    -RHF :)

  23. Jealous of your fans in UK…..really wish I could see it too…….wish a lot of success to The Goa Run.
    And hats off to John Owen sir….for his unfaded faith and continuous efforts….. Would be waiting eagerly waiting for the success news of The Goa Run aka Peter Gaya Kamse…..

  24. Congratulations to John and his Rockstar MoM for getting a Screen for all the hardwork u all put into. They are the prime example of Never say It’s impossible. If u want anything can happen.Though it’s very sad that fans like us won’t be able to see this mater piece but happy to hear that it’ got his Only screening at such a prestigious theatre. Wish u all the entire team Good Luck

  25. Hi Rajeev,
    After reading your blog my heart is filled with such a courage that I can’t express you just by words. The struggling story of John sir made me feel that one should never give up what they really want. A little Perseverance can literally change one’s fate. It made me believe that ‘where there is a will there is a way’.
    Many many congratulations to you Rajeev and John sir of course.
    Tanaya

  26. Hi Rajeev,
    After reading your blog my heart is filled with such a courage that I can’t express you just by words. The struggling story of John sir made me feel that one should never give up what they really want. A little Perseverance can literally change one’s fate. It made me believe that ‘where there is a will there is a way’.
    Many many congratulations to you Rajeev and John sir of course.
    Tanaya

  27. Heartiest congratulations!Very happy after reading your blog update.Wish you All The Best.Waiting to see The Goa Run (Peter Gaya Kaam Se). Take care.Have a great year ahead.

    Regards,

  28. Hi Rajeev, after reading your blog I feel so much courage into my heart that I cant express you just by words. It teaches me one thing once again that one should never give up on what they really want. Because a continuous perseverance can literally change one’s fate. The story of the struggles of John Owen sir made me believe that ‘where there is a will there is a way’… kash hum saab v yeh movie dekh pate…
    Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
    Lots of love
    Your Tanaya

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