BHUBANESWAR: Much to the cheer of the huge Santali community of the State, Orissa’s first full length feature film - Jewee Jurie - would be ready for release soon. Despite being the dominant tribal population in Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam and Santali language bagging a berth in the coveted 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution, films made in the language are yet to make a mark in India’s multi-lingual film scene. And if Orissa would soon have the distinction of producing a Santali film, the credit goes to noted actress and dancer Priyambada Ray and her friend Sohagi Majhi Rusika, a Santali lady. Both are producing the film while Priyambada has donned the character of a doctor in the movie.
‘‘As the title of the film suggests, Jewee Jurie (life partner) is a film about love and romance. But the love and romance is not confined to the relationship of the lead pair but it celebrates Santali tribe’s romance with its own culture and nature as well,’’ emphasizes Pratima Hota who has scripted the story. Weaving fact and fiction, the story shows how corruption of the modern society and terrorism has devastated the innocent lifestyle of the tribal society adversely affecting the personal lives - even between the lead pair of two youngsters who are in love and wish to start a family, she hints.
Oriya actor Bulu and Bengali lass Sruti Banerjee have been featured as the lead pair in the film that casts Minaketan in a major role apart from George Tiadi, Akshaya Bastia and Bidyutprava Devi, informs director and screenplay writer Ajay Routray. Young and acclaimed music composer Abhijit Mazumdar has also been roped in.
‘‘Shooting for the film has been on in full swing in some exotic locations in the State and we will move out to neighbouring states soon. We intend to release the film across the states where Santali people form a dominant population,’’ reveals co-producer Rusika.
--Shyamhari Chakra
mshyamharichakra@gmail.com