Odisha’s First Web Series Rabana Podi Hits YouTube On Friday

Odisha’s First Web Series Rabana Podi Hits YouTube On Friday

Taking a cue from the ever-growing popularity of web series, a group of enterprising young guns from Odisha, going by the name of United Misfits on YouTube, has planned the first-ever Odia web series that they claim will keep viewers hooked due to its unique plot. ‘Rabana  Podi – A Homecoming’ makes its debut with the first episode being aired on their channel on Friday.

The channel has been posting cover versions of popular Odia songs, much to the delight of people in the state as well as for Odias living outside the state and abroad. And now, they are ready to launch the first of its kind web series. Odia One Originals in association with United Misfits has already released the trailer of the web series, which has been garnering quite some views.

Written and directed by Biraj Rath, a pivotal member of United Misfits, the series, which stars Saanu and Choudhury Jay Prakash Das in lead roles, has been planned keeping the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations in mind.  In an exclusive chat with My City Links, Biraj talked about the Odia representation in the digital medium as well as the need to highlight Durga Puja celebrations in Cuttack woven in splendid narratives.

“When the digital medium began to gain its roots in the early 2010s, we decided to become a part of it. In any case, Odia representation on online platforms and digital mediums is miniscule. We have been doing videos for a while now. We thought of extending it further and experimenting with an extension of the same. Web series are the perfect way to do so,” said Biraj. The idea had come to him last year close to Durga Puja. Once the script was finalised, the members, including producer Samaresh Routray, immediately went cast scouting.

“The actor essaying the titular role of a retired brigadier is veteran actor Choudhury Jay Prakash Das. I called him just a day before shoot and he was surprised that we informed him about his role and the script at such a short notice,” revealed Biraj. The story revolves around the life of the brigadier and his relationship with his grandson set amidst the background of Durga Puja in Cuttack.

Talking about the ‘Rabana Podi’ connection, Biraj said, “Nobody has yet set up a story in the backdrop of the beautiful puja celebrations we have in Cuttack. It is the best in the country, but very few people have an idea about it. We have had many documentaries so far, but none woven around a narrative. We thought of doing the same so that it resonates with people and has a wider reach.”

The team had completed the shoot sometime back but then decided to postpone the release since Biraj was in London. “We thought why not release it around Durga Puja this year? ‘Rabana Podi’ celebrations in Cuttack are held on a grand scale. In fact, as part of our narrative, the last episode will be released on Dussehra,” informed Biraj.‘Rabana Podi’ is also a journey about returning to one’s roots and fighting the communication gap that has turned into some sort of ‘Ravana’. “So many of our people live away from home for jobs or for other purpose. That leads to communication gap between them. ‘Rabana Podi’ is a portrayal of that lost communication between a grandfather and his grandson,” said Biraj.

So, do check out the first episode of the web series, which also stars Dipanwit Dasmohapatra and Ankita Mishra, on September 28.

Here’s the link to the trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geYmkCdqJ2w&t=1s