Orissa Cinema

From Afar

A weekly column by
Sahasranshu Mahapatra, New Delhi

A song on a TV Channel caught my attention one evening. The song was from Hara Patnayak’s latest ‘Pagal Premi’ on the ETV Oriya channel. An Oriya song picturised on the roof top of a moving train and depicting the specialties of various places of Orissa was enough to attract the eyeballs of a film enthusiast from Orissa staying in Delhi.

But all enthusiasm faded away as the song continued. It suddenly reminded me of a popular Bollywood chartbuster. This song seemed to be a mere Oriya imitation of the AR Rahman composed ‘Chal Chaiya Chaiya’ from Mani Ratnam’s critically acclaimed ‘Dil Se’ (1997). There were many similarities between the two songs starting from costume to picturisation to the composition with a Rajasthani folk choreography.

Few days latter, after going through some stories on the film ‘Pagal Premi’, the grim picture turned to be a hopeful beginning. The much cherished on-screen badman of Ollywood, Hara Patnaik, has been criticized for being an expensive director. And yet his unmatched for quest of innovation and a consistent effort to explore the new possibilities has created some hope in last few years for the Oriya film industry. This song in the in the film ‘Pagal Premi’ is surely a bold step and talks of a lot of promise for the yet to be explored possibilities in the celluloid journey of the Oriyas.

Orissa is slowly emerging as a strategic location for film business in eastern region of the country. People involved with film business have started considering Bhubaneswar at par with Kolkata as the budding business centre. In this case the directors , producers, artists, technicians and all those who involved in this show-biz-world have to look beyond mere imitation or adoption of the Hindi or other language films in Oriya.

We must not forget that the Oriyas had created their identity in the celluloid world (Sita Vivah -1934-35) before establishing the geographical identity of Orissa as a state. We have a heritage of literature and culture which can be transformed into interesting stories on celluloid.

The adaptation and imitation is always welcome in the creative world but it must carry the original Oriya flavour in it.

And finally, let us hope Hara Patnaik has put forward the step already and many more to follow.

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For a gallery of images related to “Mu Tote Love Karuchi” film, click here.

After successful production of 17 Oriya romantic movies, 18th production of Brajaraj Movies Oriya feature film `Mu tote love karuchhi’, had its mahurat recently at Gadgadeswar Temple. Film maker Basant Nayak inaugurated the first shot by switching on the camera. The shooting which is expected to be completed within 45 days includes locations such as Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Dhenkanal.

About the film:
According to producer of Brajraj Movies Sanjay Nayak, “the movie’s story line is based on a love triangle, revenge and subsequent sacrifice.” The film also has six songs.

Credits:
Producer, Story: Sanjay Nayak
Executive Producer: Binay Nayak,
Dialogue, Screenplay: Ranjit Patnaik
Music Director: Swarup Nayak
Screenplay, Direction: Ashok Pati

Fight: Raju Master
Dance: Sudhakar
Camera: Ramesh
Publicity photographer: Bishnu Moharana
Makeup Man: Kapil
Costume: Nirmal Das
Art Direction: Rabi Moharana
Production: Ajaya Naik, Gautam Samal
Joint direction: Hara Rath, Sangram Mohanty, Amar Pati Playback: Kumar Bapi, Tapu Mishra, Udit Narayan,

Artists: Bijay Mohanty, Uttam Mohanty, Ajit Das, Anita Das, Tandra Ray , Namita Das, Mihir Das, Siddhanta Mohapatra, Arindam, Jayiram Samal, Sasmita Pradhan, Namrata Thappa, Mamuni Mishra, Hadu, Tanveer, Salil Mitra, and Bobby Mishra.

Photos: Ashok Panda

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Industry Minister Biswa Bhushan Harichandan, Mines Minister Padmanabha Behera at the inauguration of Kalinga Digital Recording Studio on Sunday at Kalinga Studio. Orissacinema Photos by Ashok Panda.

Monika O My Darling is slated for release next week. Its a rip-roaring comedy awaited eagerly. Following are the details. For the complete gallery, please click here!

Presented by: Debraj Movies
Producer: Binapani Sahu
Director: Nilamani Sahoo
Assistant Director: Ratikanta Sahu, Prasanta Siddhu
Story, Dialogue: Nilamani Sahoo
Sound: Asmita Das
Camera: Ajit
Makeup: Sankar, Mantu
Costum: Amiya
LIghts: Maa Mangala Cine Equipment
Spot: Bulu, Rabi
Lightsmen: Kapila, Amulya, Kalia
Transport: Mumi, Tukula, Butu
Artists: Rabi Mishra, Mamuni Mishra, Hari, Hadu, Chakradhara Jena, Pintu Nanda, Rajdip, Suman, Rachita, Baby Pradhan, Aksaya Bastia, Santosh, Tulu, Rabi, Duji, Kuna, Umesh, Bikash, Prashant, Bitusmita, and Nilamani
Special thanks to: S Routray (Bapi), Kailash Ch, Sethi, and Jooz Company.

Story: Four heroes and three heroines star in this serious comedy cinema. Confusions strife high as the male protagonists fall for Monika, the heroine, without realizing her actual class status. And as events start unfolding and the realities hit the suitors, the movie turns into nothing less than a great comic relief.

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Last week, OrissaCinema.com published the news of Jai Jagannath being released all over India on July 12.

As readers grow more curious about the film’s prospects, we decided to offer you a synopsis of the film, as well as a stunning Gallery of pictures!

Click here for the amazing images of the film Jai Jagannath!

A Brief Synopsis

The story of “JAI JAGANNATH” is based on the ancient scripture Lakshmi Puran. The untouchables were not allowed to pray, worship and do rituals to God in the ancient ages. Sriya – one of the important characters in this story dares to pray and worship and wins over the support of Goddess Lakshmi. The real drama begins when Lakshmi is separated by Lord Jagannath at the behest of his brother Balram (Balabhadra) because she ends discrimination on earth by encouraging even untouchables to conduct rituals and worship.

As Lakshmi moves out of Jagannath’s household both Jagannath and Balram undergo immense suffering so much so that they have to starve without water and food. The curse of Lakshmi had a severe impact on both the brothers that for 12 years they had a tough time. Soon they realised the importance of Lakshmi and were keen to bring her back to their abode.

Lakshmi returned to Jagannath’s abode on one condition that there will be no discrimination of caste and creed on earth. This unique story highlighted that for God everyone was equal besides it reflected the reforms and progressive stance of Gods from the ancient times. Only in the end through Narad it is revealed that Jagannath to end casteism and discrimination had himself “set up” these series of events which highlighted the social message besides the strength of true spirituality.

State of the Art graphics, rich production values and divine music are the highpoints of Jai Jagannath. This socio-mythological film has six songs in all. The film is presented by BHARAT SHAH and directed by Sabyasachi Mohapatra featuring Sadhu Meher, Jyoti Mishra, Sreetham Das, Pinto, Shila Lipi, Sarat Poojari and Devashish etc.

Lord Jagannath of Puri

Puri is one of the most auspicious and important pilgrim town of India situated on the banks of Bay of Bengal in Orissa. It is one among the four sacred dhams (sacred places) of the Hindus with a mammoth temple of Jagannath (lord of the universe). The temple architecture showcases the golden era of Utkal (ancient Orissa). The temple complex at Puri comprise has a separate temple for goddess Lakshmi. The deities of Balaram and sister Subhadra alongwith Jagannath symbolises the family ties of the trio and are worshipped together. Lakhs of pilgrims visit Jagannath temple where about 26 rituals are conducted and the daily routine of the lord is akin to that of normal human being. The deities are also adorned in different attires according to the seasons and festivals.

As per the legend, after Lord Krishna left his mortal body behind his “nabhi” ( navel ) did not turn into ashes hence Arjuna immersed the “nabhi” into the ocean which after ages transformed into wood known as “daru” which was in due course worshipped as ‘daru Brahma Jagannath”. Even today, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram and Subhadra’s deities are made of wood and every 12 years it is cremated. Jagannath’s, Balaram and Subhadra’s deities have a unique appearance, it neither look like human or animal in its fullness. It is this abstract look that signifies the form and formless (akaar & niraakar) aspect of the Hindu spirituality. Ishwara as per Hindu philosophy denotes both form and the formless. Jagannath is widely regarded as the incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu. Rath Yatra is the most significant festival at Puri. It is said it during the yatra period ( as per lunar calendar), Jagannath, Subhadra and Balaram comes out on the street to meet the devotees as an annual ritual. Lakhs of people converge at Puri from all parts of India and abroad to witness the temple chariot with the deities being pulled on the wide main temple road of Puri.

Sabyasachi Mohapatra

Sabyasachi Mohapatra is a highly respected and successful Oriya film maker.He has won several national and international awards including the prestigious “Utkal Jyoti” award. His sensitively handled film “Bhuka” was raved by critics both in India and abroad.
He has made socially relevance movies besides box office hits and has been bridging the gap between art and the so called commercial cinema. He had been of film juries for National Awards and has also made noteworthy documentaries like India 24 Hours and several televisions programmes.

Jai Jagannath is his first multi-lingual socio- mythological feature film to be made in Oriya, Hindi, and 13 other languages simultaneously.

Director’s Note

Our ancient mythology is not only modern but is also progressive. Centuries ago, our texts like Lakshmi Puran highlighted issues like casteism and women empowerment through highly interesting stories.

The latest film Jai Jagannath is as much social as it’s mythological. The foundation of caste division in ancient times was done as per the skills and duities of the people in those days. It is the wrong interpretation of the varna system and the subsequent traditional practices which have divided the society further.

After my reading Lakshmi Puran, I realised it is a great powerhouse of family oriented stories. The message in this film is momentous for all of us to understand and practise to eradicate the evils in the society.

All Indian stories do focus on the value system but Lakshmi Puran is one such scripture which highlights not only the cultural values but it explains the relevance of familial values especially the subtle relationship among the family members.

In this film the relationship between Brahma and Jiva is portrayed through Jagannath and his brother Balabhadra respectively. Jagannath acts with knowledge while Balabhadra acts out of maya.

Orissacinema is delighted to announce that To Bina Mo Kahani Addha is waiting on the wings for the June 14 release. The details of the film follows. For the complete gallery, please click here.

Film: To Bina Mo Kahani Addha
Language: Oriya
Banner: Omm Movies
Producers: Bijay Kumar Patra & Purna Chandra Das
Story, Screenplay, Dialogue & Direction: Sanjay Nayak
Music: Santiraj Khosla
Singers: Babul Suprio, Abhijit, Namita Agrawal, Pankaj Jaal, Sanju Mohanty
Lyric: Arun Mantri, Basantraj Samal, Nirmal Nayak, Bijoy Malla
Camera: Samba
Art: Amiya Moharana
Makeup: Kapil
Costume: Jogi Sena
Choreographer: Murali Babu
Fight: R. Raju
Still Camera: Tukuna, Payal Studio
Production Manager: Bhabagrahi Swain
Chief Assistant Director: Sudhansu
Asst. Director: Nimain, Sribatsa
Editor: Siba Prasad Mohanty
Cassettes: Sarthak Music
Casting: Anubhab, Archita, Ajit Das, Anita Das, Raimohan, Jina, Debjani, Biju Badjena, Jayee, Arvind, Chakradhar Jena
Special attraction: Cow (Laxmi), Goat (Ramu), Dog (Tiger)

Story: Arun is a rich young man. He goes to a village to see a girl because his parents wanted to conduct his marriage with that girl. But in the village, Arun is arrested by the girl and is sent to jail. Arun returns from jail to tries to impress the girl, and even manages to finally tie the knot. However on the fourth night, he confesses that he had merely resorted to manipulation so as to seek revenge on her. Eventually, director Sanjay Nayak grants the movie a happy ending.

Sanjay Nayak has directed 13 films so far. Some of them involve experimental themes around cut hands, fifty dwarfs, scropion, skeleton, dog etc. In this film, a cow plays the role of a mother, and it also stars a goat and a dog.

Sabuja Samman Awards were awarded to cine artists recently by Governor of Orissa.

More pictures and detailed coverage on our gallery page here.

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New film Pagala Premi is awaiting release on June 14.

Click here to see the gallery of the film “Pagala Premi”!

For sure, it will be a treat for the Oriya film connoisseurs, for Pagal Premi is technically a much advanced cinema that has used the latest of equipment. This could well be such an experiment for the first time in a regional film.

All this is possible as this high budget film is a venture of Prasad Productions. Prasad Productions is a 80-years old South-based famous production house. It has produced more than 100s of Hindi and Telugu movies including Kamal Hasan’s Ek Duje Ke Liye. And Pagal Premi is the first digital Oriya venture of this big production house.

The subject of film is so sensitive that it is absolutely difficult to direct such a delicate story line. But Hara Pattanaik has done his job smoothly by his sensible and magical direction. Hara Pattanaik is the promising top class director of Orissa film industry who has already given historical hits like I Love You. He is well known for his creative skills, and this time again he has proved himself by handling this film with terrific characterizations and an extraordinary screenplay.

To give the film a fresh look, the Director has decided to take a starcast of complete new-comers. It is a big challenge for the Director. But with his strong determination and confidence Hara Pattanaik has managed every thing according to his plan. The entire team behind Pagal Premi was very energetic and did a great job.

The film’s special attraction is a song which was done in the moving train’s roof top. All the songs are very sweet and the song are full of energetic dance.

And finally, Pagal Premi is ready to drive you crazy by creating history and trends for future. Or just convert you into a Pagal Premi yourself! Watch out for its June release!

Synopsis

Surya (Sabyasachi) and Gitanjali (Arpita) are smart college students. Surya falls in love with Gitanjali at first sight. Ajay (Sukanta) is a spoilt brat and is the son of local M.L.A. Abinash (Pradyumna Lenka).Ajay likes Gitanjali and thus proposes to her. When Gitanjali refuses, Ajay threatens that he will jump from the college roof top. Being a meek girl, Gitanjali accepts the proposal and starts dating Ajay.

Meanwhile, Surya proposes to Gitanjali. In the presence of Gitanjali’s boy friend, Ajay, Gitanjali refuses. But Surya doesn’t yet to give up on her as he feels that Gitanjali doesn’t love Ajay truly. Surya tries to impress Gitanjali sincerely without creating a rift between the two. The film is all about how Surya tries to win Gitanjali with his attitude and positive out look.

The Detail Cast and Credits of Pagal Premi:

Banner: Prasad Productions
Produced by: A. Ramesh Prasad,
Story: Sukumar
Screenplay and Direction: Hara Pattanaik
Chief Asst. Director: Debu Pattanaik
Asst. Directors: Mandip Mukherji, Arindam Mishra, Jeeban Kumar See
Dance: Murli Babu
Fight: Judo Ramu
Lyrics: Arun Mantri, Basantraj Samal
Production designer: K.S. Ramchandran
Editor: Chandra Sekhar Mishra
Music: Manmatha Mishra
Photography: Niranjan Dash
Dialogue: Dr. Subodh Pattanaik
Costume: Jogi Sena
Makeup: Haresh Khuntia
Hair Styles: Mousumi Swain
Production controller: Debendra Rana
Art: Satyananda Naik
Stills: Prasanna Senapati
Singers: T.Souri, Kumar Bapi, Tapu Mishra, T.Srinu (introducing), Giraffe: Prasad, Venkateswar, Jagan, Kumar, Raju, Haribabu, Sriram, Murli, Anjinalu
Pocketpar: Satish, Kanda Reddy
Volume Base: Kishore
Electricians: Pramod Swain, Fakira Swain, Prabir Das
Lightmen: Kusha Jena, Buna, Ranjan Sahoo, Balakrushna, Prasad, Ravi, Chinna, Shyam, Udaya, Arun, Subramanium
Camera caretakers: Mahesh, Ganesh, Laxman
Cranemen: Tulu, Kula, Kulu, Sanatan
Production boys: Sribachha, Gobardhan, John, Megha, Mustak, Bhajaman, Bapina, Kedar, Raju
Asst.camera: Subala Naik
Asst. Production: Sailendra, Kabula
Asst. Makeup: Chandi Sahu, Tutu
Asst. Costume: Subas, Dukha, Bibhu
Asst. Sound: Sharada, Appana
Asst. Dance: Soumi Das
Asst. Art: Sanatan, Sridhar
Asst. Editors: Biswanath, Ashutosh
Office Asst.: Jagannath Mohanty, Ramesh Patra, Animesh Singh
Office Accountant: Gadadhar Behera
Drivers: Ramesh, Arun, Aju, Arun, Trinath, Kalia, Shiba, Dholi, Ratan
Dubbing, editing, processing: Prasad Kalinga Laboratories
Song Recording: Prasad Studios (Chennai)
Re-recording: Prasad 70 mm (chennai),
Equipments: Prasad Outdoor Unit, Kalinga Studio, Ekolite

Starring:
Sabyasachi, Arpita, Sukanta, Pradyumna Lenka, Saroj Dash, Chaitali, Debjani, Alok Roy, Tapas Sargharia, Nimananda,
Niranjan Pati, Abhinayasri, Sanjay Bhola, Binayak Mishra, Naba Acharya, Koyel Das, Sonali, Kirti, Suman, Little, Tota, Priyanka, Meghambari, Soumi, Puja, Priya, Barsha, Piu, Kakali, Sumita, Sasmita, Dipti, Basanti, Chandra, Shankar, Sanjay, Manas, Nibas, Akshaya, Bichi, Tusar, Pilu, Ashutosh, Tanveer, Yash, Ritwick, Chobu, Jeeban, Mandeep, Liku, Chunga, Nalini, Jayant, Tuku, Bapi, Shambhu, Chintu, Babu, Shatrujit, Subas, Pradip, Pranab, Trinath, Arun, Deba Rana, Subala Naik, Narana, Miki, Sailendra, Musha bhai,
Child artists: Swaraj, Spandan, Shubham, Manisha, Monalisa, Sukanya, Sourabh, Swetaparna
Special appearance: Hara Pattanaik

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On grounds of its undying spirit of young love, as well as several technolgical innovations, the upcoming Oriya release Pagal Premi may be a pathbreaking popular cinema. Its versatile director has a beautiful theme to offer for the film, through his passionate tribute to the youth:

Hail biosterous youth
Hail singing and jet speed youth
Let any thing happen
Lets do what we like to do
Even better will taste good if u get used to it
whether it is right or wrong… lets do it
Lets take the right step
Experience will make one wiser
If happiness is with u the world is with u
Lets sing for enthusiasm
Lets live for love

Drive away darkness
Hail the patience
Celebrations must hit like a typhoon and flood
our live
Hail the vior
Lets run till we succeed
There is no going back after sighting the target
Lets sing for enthusiasm
Lets live for love

Your word must break silence and stop a war
Hail the mastery
Turn ur foe into a friend with your love
You are a king if u are a loving heart
Lets sing for enthusiasm
Lets live for love

(by Hara Pattanaik, 2007)

Secondly, at Orissacinema, we gathered that technologically, Pagal Premi is a very advanced movie as far as the making is concerned. The makers of the cinema indicate to the following points that would make it clear why Pagal Premi may be different from other Oriya movies:

1. We used the camera “ARRI 435 ” which is very sophisticated with latest features and is the same camera that was used in “RANG DE BASANTI”. Besides, arriflex 235 was also used, with latest hi-fi camera lenses.

2. This is the first regional film that is going to use Dolby Digital Sound format and sound effects.

3. The entire film is going to be done in DI (Digital Intermidate) technology, which will increase the picture and colour quality. It is usually used in Bollywood films.

4. In the shooting we have used “GIRAFFE CRANE WITH MEGA-MOUNT”, which is a 50ft remote operated advanced camera crane capable of 3 dimensional rotation (advanced version of zimi zip). We used it for 73 days. Even in majority of Hindi films, such camera crane is not used for more than 30 days, as it is quite expensive.

5. The entire film shooting was done with digitally controlled lighting by top class latest equipmente of Prasad Cine Outdoor unit under the guidance of expert technicians of South and Oriya film industry.

Mamuni Mishra is a formidable artist who has an illustrious career spanning 15 films and a dozen television serials to her credit. Orissacinema is proud to showcase her journey through stardom as well as to provide our readers with an exclusive gallery of her recent pictures.

Mamuni has also been a theatre artist and a successful TV anchor apart from being an accomplished actress in Ollywood. She has bagged various awards including Best Actress award for “Moini Othore Hasa” from Sangeet Natak Academy. Her other awards include:
• Best Supporting Actress (2004) Awarded by SOOR TARANG
• Best Cine Artist (2004) Awarded by Bhubaneswar Sanman
• Best Cine Artist (2004) Awarded by Rajiv Gandhi Forum
• Best Supporting Artist (2004) Awarded by Chinta ‘O’ Chetana
• Best Upcoming Artist (2005) Awarded by YOUTH
• Sabuja Sanman (2005) Awarded by Prerana
• Bhubaneswar Sanman (2006) Awarded by Prerana
• Liquor Awareness Award (2007) Awarded by Prerana
• Bolagada Sanman (2007) Awarded by Bolagada Sanman Committee
• Cine Cretic Award (2007) Awarded by Cine Creatic & Prerana

A detailed biodata of Mamuni Mishra is available on Orissacinema and if you have a PDF Reader, you may access it by clicking here.