Odia Entertainment Industry in 2024: Record Hits, and Tumultuous Twists

Odia Entertainment Industry in 2024: Record Hits, and Tumultuous Twists

The narrative of Odia cinema has been undergoing a gradual transformation. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the dynamics of Odia cinema have shifted significantly.

While films like Raja D’s directorial ‘Dasama’ brought back the childhood memory of the audience, the struggles and deception faced by voters during elections, when politicians play games to manipulate and divide communities, were depicted in Asit Raut's directorial film ‘Vote’. While Ashwini Tripathi's directorial film ‘Sita’ highlighted the challenges and tragedies of women's lives, focusing on themes like despair and suicide, ‘Sindura’, starring Abhishek Giri and Supriya, presented a unique and unconventional storyline. Directed by Chinmat Das, produced by Deependra Samal, The film ‘Parab’ starring Sidhant Mohapatra and Anu Choudhuri in lead roles made a mark in the Ollywood industry with it’s unique storyline and presentation.

A record number of 37 films has been released in this year. There are both highs and lows in this year for the entertainment industry. While some of these films managed to captivate the audience, the majority failed to leave a significant impression. ‘Samaya Kahiba Kie Kahara’ released on January 5, was the first film of the year. The movie featured actors like Om, Amlan, Sonam, and Trupti in the lead roles. Following this, two more films hit the screens in January, they are ‘Dear Purusha’ on January 11 and ‘Dasham’ on January 18.  

Produced by Deepak Jena, directed by ‘Raja D’, ‘Dasham’ starred actors like Sailendra Samantaray and Neelakhi Patra in key roles. This film, with its unique flavor of nostalgia, was widely appreciated by the audience. Time will tell which films stand the test of time and leave a lasting impression.

February saw the release of the highest number of films this year, with six titles hitting the screens.  On February 2, the film ‘Shanti Apartment’ was released, featuring Dipanwit Das Mahapatra, Subhashis Sharma and Ragini in prominent roles. On February 9, the movie ‘Kemiti E Samparka’ starring Akash Das Nayak and ‘Elina Samantaray’. The same day also saw the release of two other films like ‘Mo Kahani Re Tori Na’ and ‘Aashiq Surrender Hela’.  A week later, on February 16, the film ‘Akashvani’ was released, followed by ‘Vote’ on February 23. 

On March 7, the women-centric film ‘Boss’ starring Varsha Priyadarshini hit the theaters. The very next day, another film exploring female psychology, Anupam Pattnaik directorial ‘Trikanya’, was released starring Barsha Pattnaik, Sukant Rath, Manoj Mishra, Aman, Manoj Mishra, Nivvy and Partha Sarathi Ray in lead roles. On the same day, the movie ‘Operation 12/17’ also premiered, featuring Bhumika and Shreyan in lead roles. On March 8, Sabyasachi starrer  ‘Jete Gori Sete Story’ was released, adding to the month’s diverse lineup. Later in the month, on March 29, the film ‘Bigul’ got released.

On October 9, during the Dussehra celebrations, the film ‘Karma’, produced and directed by Anupam Pattnaik hit the theaters. The movie featured a stellar cast including Anubhav Mohanty, Suryamayee Mohapatra, Manmay, Divyadisha, Sanoj and Chaudhury Jayaprakash Das. ‘Karma’ is an action-thriller where Anubhav portrayed the role of an encounter specialist. His presentable performance captivated the audience, making the narrative deeply engaging. Alongside him, the supporting cast delivered remarkable performances.  

The film’s standout song ‘Chiring Chiring’, became an instant hit, going viral on social media and amassing over 12 million views. The electrifying music, sung by Human Sagar, resonated so strongly with audiences that many were seen dancing in the aisles during its playback in theaters.  The film has received immense love from cinephiles, setting an unbelievable record. It was screened for nearly 60 days across various theaters in Odisha and even gained significant traction in other states, offering wholesome entertainment to viewers. The film went on to create history with its extended run in cinemas.  

Grossing approximately ₹7 crore, the film not only ensured commercial success for its producers but also opened up new dreams and possibilities for the Odia film industry. With its release during Dussehra, “Karma” stands as a milestone, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next wave of excellent films from the Odia film industry.

During the Raja festival, three films were released - 'Pabar', 'Chandrabanshi,' and 'Kuhudi.' The first one was released on June 12, while the last two were released on the 14th. On July 5, the film ‘Sita’ was released. It depicted the struggles and tragic end of farmers, focusing on the story of a farmer's suicide. On July 26, ‘Salaam Bhubaneswar’ was released. On August 9, ‘Bhagia Bharija’ was released, and on the 30th, ‘Babajika Thulu’ made its way to the screen. On September 6, ‘Aparanha Ra Surjya’, ‘Samikhya’, and ‘I Love You 2’ were released, followed by ‘Ashram’ and ‘Abha’ on the 12th.

During the Durga Puja season, four films were released. On October 9, ‘Karma’, ‘Villain’, and ‘Khoka Bhai Tuma Pain’ were released in theaters, while the fourth film, Durga, premiered in Puri Town Hall. On November 15, ‘Half Girlfriend’ was released, followed by ‘Premi Awara’ on the 22nd, and ‘Tu Mo Kamjori’. On December 20, Parab and Oxygen were released in theaters.

Actors in Politics

In this year's general elections, actors Akash Das Nayak and Siddhanta Mahapatra emerged victorious as MLAs from Korai and Digapahandi, respectively. However, Arindam Roy (Salepur), Barsha Priyadarshini (Barchana), and Manoj Mishra (Balangir Lok Sabha constituency) faced defeat in their respective constituencies.

Newly Weds

Popular Odia actress Elina Samantray has tied the knot with Anurag Panda.  Similarly, actress Tamanna has married Siddharth Agrawal, son of Sitaram Agrawal, a prominent producer of the industry. Actress Mamta Nanda, on the other hand, has entered into wedlock with actor Manoj Mishra.

Controversies

The display of obscenity on the Jatra Pandals sparked a reaction in Odisha's journey and theater world. The government announced that guidelines would be issued regarding this issue. There are few artists like Shree aka Sahu Bhauja and Nisa Moharana whose videos of showing vulgar moves on the Jatra Pandals are getting viral over social media platforms. 

The controversy surrounding the term ‘Randi Pua Ananta’ in the work of poet Vyasa Kavir was brought to light, especially with the word ‘Randi Pua’ causing debates. The issue eventually found its way from digital platforms to the streets, culminating in public demonstrations. All this started with veteran filmmaker Sabyasachi Mohapatra’s upcoming film based on the popular novel of Byasa Kabi Fakir Mohan, ‘Randi Pua Ananta’. Starring the Pagala Premi of Ollywood Sabyasachi Mishra the film’s title has been kept the same.

Ollywood’s Lost Stars

The departing year has taken from us several talented personalities associated with cinema. Among them are veteran actor Caludhara Jena, directors Sacchi Das and Purnachandra Das, producer Hari Biswal, young singer Little Kar, assistant director Sangram Keshari Nayak, and producer Surendra Khuntia, known for films like ‘Chinha Achinha’ and ‘Dekha Khabar Rakha Najara’. Their contributions will always be remembered and cherished.