Lost In Obscurity, Odia Blockbuster Movie ‘Pati Patni’ To Be Screened By FJF

Bhubaneswar: Odia films with strong storyline and melodious songs projecting love, dream, emotions and hope as the essence have been drawing the audience to theatres through the ages.

One such blockbuster Odia movie was ‘Pati Patni’ which was released in November, 1978 at Grand Cinema hall in Cuttack.

Legendary actor Bijay Mohanty’s performance in the movie was outstanding like his other movies Kie Jite Kie Hare, Nala Damayanti, Mamata Mage Mula, and Sanskara, said film critic and founder of City based Film Journalist Forum (FJF) Surya Deo.

DD Ahalya had produced the movie under the banner of Devi Subhadra Art Pictures. Based on Telugu writer KS Narayan Rao’s story, noted lyricist Brundaban Jena penned the lyrics and dialogues. MSK Reddy directed the movie with Sabyasachi Mohapatra and Rao Shri as assistant directors.

Among others, Uttam Mohanty, Sarat Pujari, Netrananda Mishra, Mahasweta Ray, Tandra Ray and Jayiram Samal appeared in different roles in the movie.

Popular songs of the movie Abujha Manaku Bujheiba,  Bagicha Re Phula, Chhuana Chhuana, Luchichi Mu Luchihi,  and Patita Janaku were sung by noted singers Akhaya Mohanty and Vani Jayaram.

A family drama, its story revolved around the romantic and emotional relationship between a husband and his wife. The film also showcased the couple’s difference of opinion.

“Unfortunately, the print of ‘Pati Patni’ was not stored anywhere. No producer preserved the print. We had also discussed with Bijay Mohanty regarding the movie,” Deo added.

However, the FJF collected the print from a distributer in Cuttack and retrieved it. “It took us more than six months to complete the retrieving work of the ‘Pati Patni’. We had to scan the entire film as there was problem with both audio and video,” said Deo.

The movie will be screened at the ‘Smruti Chhaya’ programme organised by the FJF, said Deo.