Partha Sarathi Ray: Catapulting Odia Film Industry To A New High

Partha Sarathi Ray: Catapulting Odia Film Industry To A New High

Cinema has been very influential for the youth of this country from generations. It has a stronger impact and people connect with it on a higher level. To ensure quality-driven and impactful cinema, the film industry needs artists with the same modus operandi. Such is the actor, Partha Sarthi Ray, who is known for delving into the characters and getting under its skin before playing them on screen. From playing a downcast to a cosmopolitan, he has aced it all and catapulted the Odia film industry to a new high.

Labelled as the flag-bearer of new-age Odia cinema, Partha shared,“The Odia film industry is filled with a lot of talent and potential that needs to be excavated, honed and presented. I want to see the Odia film industry evolve and come out with good films. Discipline and professionalism need to be maintained to bring out the best. I exclusively work after getting a bound script which does not go down well with everyone. I am a purist and if that irks anyone, then that is not my cup of tea. I cannot compromise on that. I am often adjudged by people for being too vocal about my preferences and wants in the professional arena. But as long as I am getting good work and being appreciated for it, I have no qualms.”

He believes that odia cinema is evolving and mostly chooses to be a part of movies that create awareness and break negative stereotypes of the society. He aims to propagate positive thoughts like gender equality, social rights, etc. through these movies. He makes a conscious attempt to visualize how a character needs to look or behave to present it honestly to the audience.

Despite starting off with small roles in films such as Arun Govil’s film U R My Jaan, Subhash Ghai’s Cycle Kick and Ajay Devgn’s Toonpur Ka Superhero, followed by print ads and television commercials in Mumbai, Partha was rooted to his state and wanted to do his bit in the entertainment industry. Somewhere along the line, he decided to return home and started off with Odia commercials like Nai Separi Kanak Gori and Gadbad. “Although I definitely miss the professionalism of Mumbai, the Odia film industry is where I feel at home. I have been fortunate enough to work with like-minded people, and that gels well both onscreen and off screen,” said the actor who was conferred with the Best Actor award at the 29th State Film Awards for the 65th National Film Award winning Odia Film, Hello Arsi, that won three National Awards.

Throwing light on the new breed of directors in Odia film industry, the actor said that they are coming up with fresh ideas. “The new-age filmmakers are watching and taking inspiration from world cinema and the best part is that they are educated in cinema. Coming from film school, I am also a trained actor and I can understand how being educated in cinema changes the perspective and outlook towards films. Working with a trained fraternity of people, enables easy flow of thoughts and makes understanding each other better. Furthermore, the work becomes very smooth because you know the technical procedure and have the discipline to follow it. That’s the reason I had a different level of comfort with these people. Honestly, they have become family now,” he said.

Speaking on encouraging and driving the present youth towards a conscious tomorrow, he said, “I believe entertainment should be sensible and sensitive at the same time to create a balance. Nowadays the youth is driven by the overnight sensation that they find in social media. Social media is a brilliant platform to showcase your talent but it is mostly being abused with crass content in the desire for overnight fame. I would strongly advise the aspiring youths who have an eye on film-making or the entertainment industry, to be confident in their craft. Learn your craft. Own it. Better it. Rest will follow. Don’t depend on social media farce and do things just for the sake of likes and followers. Get exposure. Watch a lot of films of different languages, genres, and try to absorb as much as possible. Observe minutely. Persevere and don’t  give up. Be patient. Success will follow hard work.”

Partha hopes to take up films that he believes in and have them showcased on national-level OTT platforms someday. A youth icon and role model for the budding actors and film-makers, Partha has indeed set a benchmark for the youth to derive inspiration from.