The entertainment industry in India is one of the worst-hit sectors due to the pandemic crisis. As per reports, Covid-19 has hit over 60 million livelihoods across the country since its outbreak.
The different phases of lockdown and shutdowns and the guidelines released by the Government have prevented the moviemakers from launching new projects.While the country's top movie industry managed to get a lease of life, thanks to different over the top (OTT) platforms, things are different for Odia movie makers as OTT platforms have not gained much popularity here in Odisha.
Last year, despite the raging pandemic, Ollywood had churned out a dozen impressive films that were waiting in the pipeline to see the light of day for quite some time during the Pujas. Though a few of them have been released in phases, this year too, there are a few movies, both fresh from the oven and long-anticipated ones, releasing this Puja that are a must-watch.
In a first phase of Puja release Odia film Mane Mane Mana Khojuthila was released on October 8, featuring Omkar Acharya and Namrata Singh Deo in lead role. Directed by Narasingha Padhi, the film’s story has been written by Durga Acharya while the screenplay and dialogues are by Deepak Jena. While G Ashok Kumar has composed the songs, the lyrics have been given by Arun Mantry, Nirmal Nayak, Dipak Jena and Ommkar Lenka.
Zee Sarthak has made world wide premier of two films titled Sasta Ru Nasta and Durgatinashani 2. While Sasta Ru Nasta was aired on television on October 10, Durgatinashani 2 is scheduled to be released on October 17.
Archita Sahu, who has said goodbye to the film industry since her marriage, will be seen in a "Durgatinashini 2." Durgatinasini 2 is coming on the direction of actor-cum-director Aswini Tripathy and is being produced by Khirod Pattnaik.
The music of the movie is given by Goodly Rath. Another two women-centric filmS ‘Bijayinee’ and "Arundhati” were also in the pipeline to hit the theatre during this puja. The story of ‘Bijayinee’ is based on women empowerment. Lead actress Varsha Priyadarshini said, “ I am sure that this movie will inspire the women to raise their voice against injustice.” Varsha is the creative head of the movie and has also written its story and screenplay. While she will be playing the lead role, Pragyan, Shankar, Pupy, Santuka, Debashis Patra, Bikram, Trupti Sinha and Mama essay important characters in the movie.Sudhakar Vasanth has donned the director’s hat, while Sangita Kandoi is the producer. Prem Anand has composed music for the movie. Odia movie lovers will get to enjoy a plethora of emotions including love, action and comedy in ‘Arundhati” that marks the debut of Rajveer as the leading role. Ollywood actress Elina Samantray is playing the female lead.
Others in the movie include Bobby Mishra, Sanjaya Bhola, Pradyumna Lenka, Jaya Swami , Parativa Panda and Jiban Panda. Arundhati has been directed by Ramesh Rout, while Ramesh Barik is the producer. Ajitav Mallik is the co-producer of the movie. The music has been composed by Abhijit Majumdar and the dance choregraphers are Lubun-Tubun and Tuna Chandan.
Well-known comedian Papu Pompom's films also are ready for release in Puja. The audience will get to see Papu in lead role and Sujit in a negative role. Actress Manisha of Baripada is the lead lady and will be making her Ollywood debut with the movie being produced by Pratima Productions.“Papu has always been my inspiration. I am very happy that I got to play a role against him in my first film,” said Manisha. Producer and Director of the movie Samprit Swarup Satpathy and Jitendra Mohapatra respectively are of the opinion that the movie has something new and different for the audience.
The movie, based on comic chemistry, will definitely entertain the audience, say the makers of the movie. Music for ‘Gaan Ra Naa Galuapur’ has been composed by late Amarendra Mohanty. Besides, Mihir Das, Kuna Tripathy and Antaryami will be seen playing different roles in the movie.
