Anupam Patnaik ends speculations, unveils ‘Mantra Muugdha’ with muhurat

Pradeep Pattanayak

Bhubaneswar: Ending weeks of hush-hush speculations, national award-winning filmmaker Anupam Patnaik has finally lifted the curtain on his next Odia film, ‘Mantra Muugdha’, with a traditional muhurat ceremony, setting the Odia film industry abuzz.

Codenamed “MM” for weeks, the project had already stirred curiosity, and with the official announcement, it is clear ‘Mantra Muugdha’ is set to add a fresh chapter to Odia cinema as an innovative romantic comedy thriller.

Produced by Barsha Patnaik under the Amiya Patnaik Productions banner, the film follows the phenomenal success of Anupam Patnaik’s ‘Karma’, which created history in Odia cinema with an impressive ₹8.5 crore collection across India during its 50-day run.

In ‘Mantra Muugdha’, Anupam once again ropes in Sonoj Kumar and Manmaya Dey in lead roles, while introducing promising newcomer Sarthak Bharadwaj. Talented actor Dipanwit Dasmohapatra, who left a mark in ‘Karma’, also plays a significant role alongside notable names like Har Ratha, Jayprakash Das, Nishant Majhithia, Soma Hota, and Bhakti Das.

In a move that adds fresh flavor, popular television actress Pihu Mahapatra and digital creator Mr. Raut, expanding the film’s contemporary appeal.

Notably, while Bhumika Dash has for the first time collaborated with the production house for ‘Mantra Muugdha’, Suramayi Mahapatra, who charmed audiences in ‘Karma’, is doing a powerful role. The film brings together popular faces and emerging talents in a seamless blend.

Anupam’s tried-and-tested technical crew is back on deck, with cinematographer Deepak Kumar, editor Rashmi Ranjan Das, sound designer Shakti Swaroop Dwivedi, and sync sound expert Chandrasekhar Sharma, ensuring a seamless cinematic experience.

The story is penned by Anupam and Rosan Bishoi, while the screenplay has been crafted by Rohit Gehelot and Anupam, with dialogues by Pranab Rath and additional screenplay and dialogues by Nishant Majhithia.

The film’s music is composed by a diverse team of five music directors: Ashish Pradhan, Anurag Patnaik, Sangit Pattnaik, Anurag Panda, and Roumya Raj Pradhan, enriching the film’s narrative fabric.

Staying true to his mission of nurturing new talent, Anupam provides a platform for emerging artistes poised to become tomorrow’s stars while maintaining his signature storytelling finesse.

The film revolves around three central characters embarking on a journey filled with humour and thrill, but in Anupam’s distinctive style, ‘Mantra Muugdha’ is more than a comedy—it is a thrilling social commentary woven within a romantic comedy framework.

Following the massive success of the web series ‘Gangs of Puri Season 2’, which reshaped Odia digital content with its popularity and cultural impact, Anupam has solidified his reputation as a filmmaker and storyteller who understands and connects with today’s audience.

His film journey exemplifies how regional cinema can resonate on a global stage.Whether it is family drama, crime thrillers, or socially conscious comedy, Anupam’s work is setting new benchmarks for filmmakers nationwide.

‘Mantra Muugdha’ is not just a generational effort but a strategic step towards expanding the scope of Odia cinema.Blending thrill, comedy, and social themes, the film is gearing up to deliver a wholesome entertainment while reflecting contemporary society’s realities.

With a power-packed star cast, fresh talent, and a story that echoes, ‘Mantra Muugdha’ under a renowned director’s vision is set to carve out its niche in the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.

The film will hit the floors very soon.