Bhubaneswar, June 12: On the festive occasion of Raja, two new Odia films Bou Butu Bhoota and Ananta were released across Odisha, drawing significant public attention and setting new benchmarks in the regional film industry.
The horror-comedy Bou Butu Bhoot, produced under actor Babushan’s home banner, was released in 61 theatres. The film blends suspense, emotion, and entertainment, and had an unprecedented midnight premiere on the eve of its release. Special shows at 12 a.m. in Bhubaneswar and Berhampur drew large crowds, marking the first midnight screening for a Babushan-starrer a moment now considered a record in Odia cinema.
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Meanwhile, Ananta, inspired by legendary writer Fakir Mohan Senapati’s iconic story Randipua Ananta, opened in 40 theatres. The film has been jointly directed by Sabyasachi Mohapatra, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker, and his son Kumar C. Dev. Produced under the Kumar Pictures banner, Ananta features Sabyasachi Mohapatra and Suryamayee in lead roles, with dialogues written by Dr. Rajani Ranjan and music composed by Abhijit Majumdar.
Both film teams have embarked on promotional tours, holding premieres and interacting with fans in Bhubaneswar and other cities. According to industry critics, the dual release has brought fresh momentum and optimism to the Odia film industry.
Adding an interesting dimension to this year’s Raja releases is the presence of real-life couples on both sides of the box office battle. While Ananta is produced by Archita, actress and wife of Sabyasachi Mohapatra, Bou Butu Bhoota is backed by Trupti, wife of Babushan. In a unique crossover, Archita plays pivotal roles in both films opposite her husband in one and opposite Babushan in the other creating an informal screen rivalry that fans are watching with excitement.
Despite some initial controversy over its title, Ananta has managed to stir anticipation and is scheduled for a nationwide release on June 13. In a passionate appeal to viewers, Sabyasachi has urged audiences to attend screenings wearing a gamuchha, a traditional Odia towel, declaring, “Without the flutter of the gamuchha, it’s not Raja!”
