Much-Awaited Crime Thriller ‘Patnagarh’ In Trouble For Portraying Accused As Hero

Patnagarh: Uncertainty looms over the Durga Puja release of crime thriller, ‘Patnagarh 23 Feb 2018′, based on the parcel bomb explosion that claimed two lives in Odisha’s Balangir district earlier this year, with the family members objecting to the filming of the real-life incident.

Father of the deceased, Rabindra Sahu, lodged a complaint with Patnagarh police on August 16 against producer Sridhar Martha and director Rajesh Touchdriver of the film.

At a press conference on Sunday, he and his wife Sanjukta Sahu said that the movie might impact the ongoing probe.

“The prime accused, Punjilal Meher, is being portrayed as a hero in the film. This may have an adverse impact on the society,” he said, raising doubts over how he, his wife and daughter-in-law have been characterized in the movie.

He alleged that by using the terms like ‘mockery’ and ‘shameful’ in media, they are insulting the family.

The film is an investigative thriller that unfolds the story of Punjilal Meher and his mindset while he plotted against the Sahu family. The movie stars Odia actor Manoj Mishra as Punjilal, with National Award winning actor Atul Kulkarni, essaying the role of Inspector General of Police (Crime Branch) Arun Bothra.

The teaser of the film is already out.