History repeats itself and this holds true in context of the Odia film industry too. Earlier, many films in Ollywood were box office hits because of the lead pairing of actors apart from the storyline. And the pairs cast their magic on the audience for a long spell. The trend of experimenting started and till some time back there was no particular pair which promised to catch the viewers’ attention.
It was only in the last two years that lead pairs in films are once again back, deciding the fate of a film and turning money spinners for the filmmakers.
It was legendary actor Gour Ghosh and Parvati who started being noticed as a hit pair after their stellar performances in the movies Kaa and Stree, both of which became hit. The pair in movies became so successful that they became a couple in real life. Even the performances of Prasanta Nanda and Mahasweta in Sesa Shraban was highly appreciated and the audience wanted to see them together more in the reel life. A series of films by both the actors became blockbusters in box office. Similarly in 1980s, Uttam Mohanty and Aparajita created wonders in the reel life enactment as a couple and they became real life couple too. Some of their hit movies include Phula Chandan, Jai Phula, Pua Mora Kala Thakura, Jor Jara Mulak Tara and many others. The list of paired actors who had amazing chemistry between them in reel life and later in real life also includes Bijay Mohanty and Tandra Ray and Sriram Panda and Tripura Mishra. In the 90s, Sidhant and Anu Choudhary too became popular. Siddhant’s pairing with Rachna Banerjee too gave the Odia films a new perspective. Strangely, Sidhant and Mama Mishra worked together in many hit movies but the pair was never considered a successful one.
Though there was a vacuum in the beginning of the new millennium as far as lead hit pairs are considered, at present Anubhav and Barsha are recreating the magic followed by Babusan and Archita, and Arindam and Riya to some extent.
Established pairs are easier to sell in comparison to new faces.
While Barsa-Anubhav pair has had superhits like Matric Fail (2012), Something Something(2012), Balunga Toka(2011), Kiese Dakuchi Kouthi Mate(2011, Diwana (2012), Ama Bhitare Kichi Achhi(2010) and Suna Chadhei Mo Rupa Chadhei(2009), Archita and Sabyasachi have De Maa Shakti De (2006), To Pain Nebi Mu Sahe Janama (2007), Mu Sapanara Soudagar (2008), Mate Ani Dela Lakhye Faguna (2008), Keun Dunia Ru Asila Bandhu (2009) Pagala Karichi Paunji Tora (2009), Tora Mora Jodi Sundara(2010) and Kebe Tume Nahan Kebe Mu Nahin (2012).
Similarly, Babusan and Archita have clicked well with the audience and it was proved in movies like Loafer(2010), Chocolate(2011) and Thukul(2011). Two more couples to look for in the near future are Sabyasachi and Priya Choudhary(Dreamgirl) and Arindam and Riya Dey(Criminal).
While the demand for A-list stars is always strong, there are also new directors with fresh scripts who are trying to ensure that they sign actors based on the potential of their story rather than box-office compulsions like lead pairings. Both the trends are likely to continue through this year, though directors feel, its always safe to opt for a pair that is certain to draw audience.