TV
Odia cinema is evolving, perhaps with the flavor of the old, but in a new form. Rooted in realism and originality, Odia films inspired by literature and culture are now winning hearts, from general audiences to juries alike. A prime example of this shift is 'Pushkara', a film presented by Tarang Cine Productions.
After bagging the National Film Awards 2023, 'Pushkara' has marked a significant turning point in the journey of Odia cinema. Outshining many productions from other film industries across the country, 'Pushkara' has emerged as a new milestone, offering fresh direction and global recognition to regional storytelling.
The future of Odia cinema shines bright as it steps confidently into a new era marked by originality and cultural depth. The film Pushkara, rooted in the nearly forgotten folk traditions and cultural essence of Puri, has emerged as a beacon of this transformation. Its artistic excellence has not only captured hearts but also earned national acclaim, securing a nomination at the 71st National Film Awards in the best film category.
Based on the novel 'Nadabindu 'by renowned author Shankar Tripathy, the screenplay of 'Pushkara' was a complex undertaking. The film successfully brings to life a story steeped in cultural richness and emotional intensity. Popular actor Sabyasachi Mishra delivered a powerful performance, portraying a lover torn by anguish with raw vulnerability, while actress Supriya’s heartfelt acting left a deep impression on cinephiles.
"We had never thought that Pushkara would win a national award. Our purpose was to win the hearts of the audience. Our hard work has materialised," said actor Sabyasachi Mishra.
"It's a bold attempt. Taking this kind of story without any commercial factor for making a movie was a huge risk," said actress Supriya.
The direction by Subhranshu Das was instrumental in weaving each character with nuance and authenticity—be it Chaudhury Bikash Das, Ashrumochan, or Pintu Nanda. Each performance was carefully crafted, adding depth to the cinematic tapestry.
From literature to cinema, from reel to real, Pushkara marks a return to storytelling that resonates with purity and poignancy. The film has not only illuminated Odia cinema on the national stage but also set a new benchmark for the industry, establishing itself as a significant milestone for Ollywood.
The journey of 'Pushkara' from concept to cinema halls was anything but easy. In an industry grappling with a declining number of theatres and an unfavorable trend towards Odia films, releasing a bold and culturally rooted story like 'Pushkara' was a major challenge. Yet, Tarang Cine Productions took a bold step, choosing to release the film statewide without focusing on profit and loss calculations.
Where cinema halls were absent, theatre stages were transformed into makeshift cinema screens. Despite the odds, 'Pushkara' managed to reach audiences beyond Odisha, with screenings in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
"Pushkara is the story of a cremation ground- Swargadwar. It took a long time to create the set and find a proper place for it. To convert the novel into a screenplay was the most challenging part," said director Subhranshu.
"This kind of challenge is always there while adopting any novel. It was also there while making Pushkara. Literature has often been transformed into successful movies. We had a gap in between in this regard, which has been removed now," said OTV Network Creative Head Ranjan Satpathy.
Post-COVID-19, films like 'Pratikshya' and Daman had started writing a new chapter for Odia cinema, with both winning the 69th and 70th National Film Awards, respectively. However, audiences were still in search of something more — original storytelling, authentic performances, and films that stayed true to Odia literature and culture.
Pushkara, which hit the screens on September 19, 2023, met these expectations. More than just filling theatre seats, it resonated deeply in the hearts and homes of the Odia people. Its narrative, rooted in reality and culture, struck a chord with cinephiles, proving that films grounded in authenticity can still make a powerful impact.
In essence, Pushkara not only showcased the potential of Odia cinema to tell compelling stories but also signalled a return to meaningful filmmaking, reviving hope for the industry’s future.
Must Read: Tarang Cine Productions’ ‘Pushkara’ bags Best Odia Film at 71st National Film Awards 2023
"It's not possible that every movie will bag an award, but the image of Odia movies could be glorified outside the state. There is no doubt that the future of Odia movies is bright," said veteran movie director Sabyasachi Mohapatra.
"Now, a golden period of Odia cinema has evolved. The interest of people in realistic cinema has given a new movement to Odia cinema. Pushkara is the latest example," said film critic Surya Deo.
