Orissa Cinema

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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.