10 classic Odia films you must watch

10 classic Odia films you must watch

Meaningful cinema may have become a rarity with commercialisation of Odia film industry, but the picture wasn’t always this gloomy. There was a period when Odia movies garnered both appreciation and commercial success for their creativity and originality. This luminous past is credited to some extraordinary filmmakers who were storytellers, art lovers, and most importantly, believed in making meaningful movies. Taking a glimpse into the glory days of our film industry, My City Links handpicks 10 classic must-watch Odia movies that are now available on YouTube.

1. Kathantara – 2007

Dir: Himanshu Khatua

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95xCsXevGpQ

The movie is narrated from the perspective of Kalpana, a widow from rural Odisha who has lost her family in the cyclone. It is a great source of inspiration for those who believe in the factor of individualism. The film’s protagonist is a symbol of courage, who teaches us to work on our mistakes continuously and learn to find happiness even in the gloomiest situation. 

2. Maya Miriga – 1984

Dir: Nirad Mohapatra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bMHD29UHBQ

The movie’s title translates to mirage. The story travels through three generations of people living under the same roof and sharing the same sort of problems. People often find it confusing when something good happens all of a sudden. They do not know whether to celebrate the present or worry about the future. ‘Maya Miriga’ explores this phase of life with subtlety through its visuals and music. It was the first movie to introduce Odisha to various film festivals across the globe including Cannes Film Festival in 1984. 

3. Chilika Banks – 2007

Dir: Akansha Joshi

This documentary explores the challenges of fishermen of Chilika from 1970 to 2007. Chilika is the largest brackish water lagoon of Asia but as they say, larger places have bigger problems. The film beautifully portrays the ecosystem of Chilika and how the already poor farmers are only getting poorer because of the capitalists. In the movie, fishermen, who represent the farmers, often live in the hope that the rich would set up industries and improve their living conditions.

4. Shesha Drushti – 1997

Dir: Apurba Kishore Bir

The film tells the story of a freedom fighter who raises his child alone after his wife’s death. His only wish is to see his son get a decent job. Several stories are interwined in the plot unfold gradually as the movie progresses. The film deals with the simple elements of life. It has won the National Film Award for best feature film in Odia.

5. Nirbachana – 1994

Dir: Biplab Roy Chowdhury

Exposing the corruption in Indian politics, ‘Nirbachana’ is first of its kind movie in Odia film industry. The film narrated the story of a rich man who wants his daughter to get married into another influential family and hence, wants to become a politician. 

6. Malajanha – 1965

Dir: Nityananda Palit

The movie explores the story of a married woman and a young man. Despite the topic being a taboo during those days, the filmmaker tried to explore it with sincerity. The film is made in such a way the characters are not judged by the audience. Renowned musician Akshaya Mohanty made his acting debut in this movie. 

7. Gapa Hele Bi Sata – 1976

Dir: Nagen Roy

The first Odia film to be made in colour, ‘Gapa Hele Bi Sata’ is a story about the protagonist whose partner, a tourist, disappears. The protagonist then emabraks on a journey to find answers and ultimately finds happiness. The film teaches us to be more positive and patient. 

8. Shesa Shrabana – 1976

Dir: Prashant Nanda

The movie revolves around casteism in our society through the perspective of two fishermen living in a small town. It also talks about the common societal problems. ‘Shesa Shrabana’ captures the essence of the village life which everyone can relate to.

9. Kie Kahara – 1968

Dir: Nityananda Palit

This is a story about an affluent family which wants to cling on to its status. The lady of the family has a problem understanding the difference between love and oppression and is constantly unhappy in her life. Due to her mistakes, the entire family suffers. The film’s music was a hit among the audience during those days.

10. Naga Phasa – 1977

Dir: Basant Nayak

The movie deals with the world of crime and is one of the all-time classics in Odia film industry. Its success encouraged other filmmakers to take up crime as a theme for making movies.