Bhubaneswar: The Film Journalists’ Forum (FJF), as part of its 23rd ‘Smrutichhaya’ programme, screened the 1980 Odia film ‘Tapasya’, produced by Prashanti Pictures.
After a gap of 46 years, audiences once again got the opportunity to watch the black-and-white classic at a special screening. Following restoration, the 117-minute film took viewers on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, bringing back memories of a bygone era.
The evening witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Odia Virtual Academy secretary Dr Pradeep Kumar Rout and Odisha Film Development Corporation director Surendra Kumar Panda, who inaugurated the evening by offering floral tributes to Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami, regarded as the father of Odia cinema, followed by the Forum’s invocation song, ‘Sita Bibaha’ song.
The proceedings then moved into a solemn tribute to veteran singer Pranab Kishore Patnaik, who passed away on August 21. A one-minute silent prayer was observed in his memory.
A booklet on ‘Tapasya’ was then released during the programme, while cine personalities associated with the film and the family members of some of its artistes were felicitated. They shared their experiences, offering the audience a glimpse into several interesting and lesser-known stories from behind the making of the film.
The Jayadev Bhawan auditorium was packed to capacity, with cine lovers glued to their seats until last scene. The performances of several familiar faces, including Sarat Pujari, Anita Das, Uttam Mohanty and Deepa Sahu left them captivated.
Several prominent figures of the film industry appreciated the film’s compelling storyline, music and distinctive filmmaking style. They also lauded the initiative of the FJF’s efforts to preserve, restore and bring classic Odia films back to the big screen, enabling a new generation to experience the cinematic heritage of Odisha.
Forum member Minati Singh delivered the welcome address, while Forum chief Surya Deo spoke about ‘Tapasya’. Member Amitabh Khilar proposed the vote of thanks. Members of the Forum extended their cooperation in conducting the event.
Worth mentioning, the Film Journalists’ Forum was founded in 2011 with noted cine journalist Surya Deo playing a leading role in shaping its journey. On May 1 that year, the forum began its screening initiative with ‘Malajahna’.
So far it has brought a long list of cherished Odia classics back into the spotlight, including ‘Kie Kahara’, ‘Shree Lokanatha’, ‘Jeevan Sathi’, ‘Ghara Bahuda’, ‘Sansara’, ‘Rakta Golapa’, ‘Nagaphasa’, ‘Sadhana’, ‘Kaa’, ‘Stree’, ‘Bhakta Salabega’, ‘Chilika Tire’, ‘NuaBou’, ‘Samadhi’, ‘Abhilasha’, ‘Ulka’, ‘Parinam’, ‘Krushna Sudama’, ‘Usha’, and ‘Aparichita’.
That apart, it has also organised three exhibitions celebrating different facets of Odia film culture – ‘Chhaya Pratichhaya’ an exhibition on Odia film posters; ‘Giti Chhaya’ an exhibition on Odia songs and ‘Chhaya Lipi’ on the cover pages of Odia film magazines.
Through these initiatives, the FJF has continued to keep the memories, music, faces and stories of Odisha’s cinematic heritage alive, while giving audiences an opportunity to revisit the classics that shaped Odia cinema.
