Bhubaneswar: Come Dussehra and Odia film industry gets ready for the puja film releases. After Raja, it is Dussehra when most of the big budget and star-studded Odia films are released, mostly aiming at the rural audiences. Though times have changed and Ollywood now focuses on original content, Dussehra is still significant an occasion for the Odia filmmakers. This year, at least five major Odia films are lined up for Dussehra release. Here’s a list of top five films:
Madhumalati: Set in the backdrop of rural Odisha, this romantic film—bringing back the nostalgic scenes from the 80s—features Bollywood actor Sanjay Mishra, Odia actor Mahashweta Ray, Bhumika Dash, Akash Hota, among others. Even before its release, the film created a buzz in the internet as Mishra strolled through the streets of Bhubaneswar, praising the city for its clean bus stand at Baramunda, during the film’s shoot. Madhumalati explores whether love can return after decades of separation. It is about Madhusudan and Malati, former lovers who reunite after 35 years apart. Abandoned by their families in the later stages of their lives, the two rediscover their affection and decide to pursue the dreams they once dreamt of.
Danger Devdas: This Aswin Tripathy film stars actors Amlan Das, Elina Samantray, Jyoti Ranjan Nayak, Aanisha Sharma and Papu Pom Pom. The story of the film is about a village oppressed by influential outsiders. But when the son of the soil—the character played by Amlan—returns, he encourages the villagers to fight for their cultural identity.
Monster—The Ultimate: It is an action film, directed by Sudhanshu Mohan Sahoo. It features Aaditya Mohapatra, Dibyajyoti Tripathy, Swapna Priyadarsini, Krishna Kar, and Mahasweta Ray. This is an action-packed film based on a story plot that focuses on revenge, justice and resistance. It depicts the story of a man who has spent years controlling his anger before unleashing it against those responsible for his father’s death and his village’s suffering.
Game Over: Directed by Raja Dash, the film stars Ardhendu Sahu, Supriya Nayak, Navpreet Arora, Kuna Tripathy and Mahasweta Ray. The story is about Adidev Paikaray, an honest sprinter. His life collapses after a rival allegedly frames him for doping and the murder of his lover. Jailed and deprived of his sporting future, Adi encounters an experienced crime lord, who introduces him to the criminal world. He, therefore, sets out to take revenge on those he believes destroyed his life.
AWM: Agney Weds Minal: This is a love story that challenges social barriers. It has been directed by Rishav Agrawal and stars Manoj Mishra, Arlin Ankita, Usasi Mishra and Shakti Baral. It is inspired by real-life relationships. It revolves around the story of Agneya, a physically challenged man, whose courage and ambitions extend beyond his physical limitations. Minal recognises his abilities and becomes his companion and source of strength.
