Nothing to Cheer About

Nothing to Cheer About

Odia cinema in 2013 saw a record number of releases with a total of 37 films hitting theatres across the state. But a rise in quantity did not mean an improvement in quality of production. Of the 36 films, most faded away from the theatres within a week of release and a bare three percent of the total were big hits.

The four biggest hits of the year included Paribeni Kehi Alaga Kari, Mo Duniya Tu Hi Tu , Mu Eka Tumara and Hata Dhari Chalutha.

This year began with three flicks Tu Mo Suna Tu Mo Hira, Badhu Nuhe Mu Bandhu and Mo Dil To Diwana in January. While Paribeni Kehi Alaga Kari had Arindam and Priya in the lead, Anubhav and Barsha played the lead in Mo Duniya Tu Hi Tu and Hata Dhari Chalutha.

Among those meaningful films with good storylines and unusual treatment who have recovered costs though they might not have hit the box-office charts are Biranchi Panda’s ACP Sagarika, Ashok Pati directed Deewana Deewani that starred Babushan and Madhumita from Kolkata.

Sabyasachi Mohapatra’s Salabudha made it to the Indian Panorama at the IFFI this year. Some of the youth centric films like Mu Aashiq Mu Awara, Chauka Chhaka, Target and Rumku Jhumana found takers among the young mass and managed to cover costs.

Films that did not click at all at the box office their niche audience tag notwithstanding, are Deepak Panda’s My Love Story, Jitu Rout’s Rudra, Raj Pradeep’s Sapanara Nayika.

New directors sprung up every other day.

In 2013 as a director Sudhakar Basant(Mo Duniya Tu Hi Tu, Daha Balunga) Susant Mani(Mu Eka Tumara), Chandi Parija (Tu Mo Dehara Chhai, Hata Dhari Chalutha) Ashok Pati(Deewana Deewani)managed to present entertaining fares, while Avijit Mazumdar became the first choice of the producers and directors as he has scored music for most of the films released in 2013.

As a hero Anubhav, Arindam and Amlan were exceptional, while as a leading actress Barsha and Archita stole hearts.

Kaaunri Kanya, the debut venture of brothers Soumya Ranjan and Ramya Ranjan being touted as the state’s first 3-D horror flick as well as  Sanjay Nayak’s Mita Basichi Mu Bhoota Sathire failed to pull the audience to theatre though both the producers claim it is first of its kind Odia cinema.

In 2013, Odia cinema also lost gifted film personalities like directors Sagir Ahmed, Santanu Mishra and Prafulla Mohanty, producer Debendra Panda, director Saroj Satpathy, stage and cine actress Bhanumati Devi and makeup man Khirod who had made their presence felt in different Odia cinema.

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The New Indian Express
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