Bhubaneswar: Former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Shreemayee Mishra is set to make her silver screen debut in the upcoming Odia political drama Pashapali (The Game of Politics), a project that has already triggered intense speculation across Odisha’s political and film corridors.
The film’s mahurat was recently held at the Jagannath Temple in Salepur, Cuttack district.
Directed by Sanjay Nayak and produced by Prashant Kar under the Bikalananda Kar Productions banner, the film features Shreemayee in a powerful lead role alongside an ensemble cast, including Prithwiraj Nayak, Shubhranshu Nayak, Itishree, Rajashree, and Dushmant. The screenplay is inspired by a book written by the producer, with a soundtrack composed by Malay Mishra and featuring the voices of Bollywood singers Rituraj Mohanty, Krishna Beura, and Ira Mohanty.
The announcement comes at a turbulent time for Shreemayee, who has remained firmly in the spotlight following her suspension from the BJD and subsequent public criticism of the party leadership.
According to the makers, the commercial entertainer aims to offer a fresh cinematic experience by blending realistic, high-stakes political drama with socially relevant themes like unemployment and potential solutions to public issues.
Shreemaye herself refrained from confirming whether the narrative is directly inspired by her personal experiences or specific state developments, urging the public to maintain the mystery of the plot. “You have seen me extensively in the political arena, facing cameras and giving media bytes. But today, after nearly a decade, I am returning to my acting career. It is not an easy transition. When you lose the habit of doing something, stepping back into a character and portraying a role on the big screen takes real effort. However, I am hopeful that by God’s grace, things will go well,” she told the media.
An Odissi dancer, Shreemaye had gained immense popularity playing the lead role of Snigdha in the hit Odia mega serial ‘Aaina’ and starred in the widely appreciated ‘Bada Ghara Bada Gumara Katha’. “I have previously faced the camera, put on makeup, and acted between 2011–2012 and 2016–2017. So, the experience isn’t entirely new to me. Perhaps it was also God’s will that I get a platform like this to bring a political and socially relevant story to the audience. In recent past, MP Kangana Ranaut’s film was screened across different states, and even former Minister Smriti Irani returned to acting after her stint on Star Plus. For those who are artists at heart, that creative passion stays alive inside them forever,” she said.
“I can assure the audience that this will be a movie with a completely different flavour. People are used to watching typical action, romantic, or thriller films. While political thrillers have been made in Odisha before, there has been a long gap recently. I am thankful to the producer and director for bringing such a unique concept. Our team is working hard to target a festive season release. Odia cinema has seen a fantastic revival over the past year or two, with theatres running housefull week after week. With an experienced crew, director, and actors, we are optimistic about delivering something wonderful,” she added.
Given the title of her upcoming film, industry insiders and political analysts are speculating that ‘Pashapali’ may serve as a thinly veiled exposé of real-life backroom conspiracies, power dynamics, and rivalries within Odisha’s governance structure.
