Bhubaneswar: A forgotten gem of Odia cinema, ‘Abhilasha’ (1984), was brought back into the limelight as the Film Journalists’ Forum, in collaboration with Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL), hosted a special screening of the restored film at Jayadev Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, on Saturday.
The event, titled ‘Shreshthottar Sadhu Meher O Sarbottam Uttam’, was a heartfelt tribute to the late director Sadhu Meher and actor Uttam Mohanty, whose contributions left an indelible mark on Odia film history.
The lost colour feature film, originally produced by Shanti Films, had remained inaccessible for decades until a recent restoration by the National Film Archive of India, with vital support from the Odisha Government and the Film Journalists’ Forum.
Three generations of Odia cinema icons — veteran actor Prashant Nanda, Siddhanta Mahapatra, and Anu Choudhury — took to the stage to reminisce and pay tribute to the cinematic trailblazers. Presiding over the evening was Manoranjan Panigrahi, former Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, and ex-Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax.
Sudhiranjan Mishra, head of Corporate Affairs at PPL, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the evening. Vijay Kumar Biswal, PPL’s Chief Financial Officer, graced the occasion as the chief guest, underlining the company’s commitment to preserving Odisha’s cultural legacy.
The program opened on a nostalgic note with a musical tribute from ‘Sita Bibaha’, the first Odia film, followed by the unveiling of a special commemorative booklet chronicling the journey and legacy of ‘Abhilasha’ — a bridge between Odisha’s rich literary and cinematic traditions.
As a mark of respect, commemorative plaques were presented to key members of the original ‘Abhilasha’ team.
Among the honourees were: Shanti Meher (Producer), Aparajita Mohanty, Jaya Swami, Nandita Jena, Brundaban Mishra, Jayadev Jena, Raju Padhi and Kirtan Patra (Acting), Ramu Durei, Pitambar Puhan and Radhu Mishra (Acting & Management), Ramesh Mohanty (Writer & Lyricist), Ramesh Kumar Singh (Still Photography & Acting), Niranjan Sarangi (Chief Advisor), Nagen Barik (Sound Recording) and Banchhanidhi Pattnaik (Makeup).
The screening of the fully restored ‘Abhilasha’ was met with rapturous applause from a packed auditorium. Outside the venue, a captivating photo exhibition featuring rare stills from the film offered a visual walk down memory lane.
The evening concluded with cine journalist Amitabh Khilar delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of the Film Journalists’ Forum.
The program was skilfully emceed by acclaimed lyricist and dialogue writer Bijay Malla.
This cultural celebration not only brought ‘Abhilasha’ back into public memory but also shone a well-deserved spotlight on the unsung heroes of Odia cinema — ensuring their legacy lives on for generations to come.
