"Landfall": A cinematic tribute to 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone

Bhubaneswar, May 14: In a bold and emotional retelling of one of Odisha’s darkest natural disasters, the devastating 1999 super cyclone is making its way to the silver screen. Titled "Landfall", this upcoming Odia feature film promises to be more than just a movie—it’s a tribute to human resilience, courage, and the collective memory of a storm that changed thousands of lives forever.

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Spearheaded by the acclaimed director duo Debi Prasad Lenka and Vishal Mourya, the film marks their return after the success of Daman, a nationally awarded film that brought Odia cinema into the national spotlight. With their proven storytelling prowess, the duo aims to recreate not just the fury of nature, but also the untold stories of survival and sacrifice that emerged from the chaos.

Sabyasachi Mishra, one of Odisha’s most celebrated actors, takes on the lead role, bringing gravitas and emotional depth to the film’s central narrative. Opposite him, actress Divyasnataa plays the female lead, adding both strength and sensitivity to the storyline.

The film's official title and first look were unveiled at a grand launch event held in Bhubaneswar, drawing attention from across the state’s cultural and media circles. Organized with cinematic flair, the event saw the presence of Sudhanshu Sarangi, Director General of the Odisha Fire Services Department, who praised the film’s concept and highlighted the crucial role played by emergency responders during the cyclone.

Adding to the emotional weight of the occasion were Surajit Das, then-Tehsildar of Kujang, and Nrusingha Charan Swain, the additional Tehsildar at the time—both of whom shared their firsthand accounts of the catastrophe. The duo also had the honor of unveiling the film’s logo, title, and poster.

With a reported budget of ₹10 crore, Landfall promises a cinematic experience on an unprecedented scale for Odia cinema. Massive sets, cutting-edge animation, and immersive visual effects are being employed to recreate the sheer magnitude of the disaster. Behind the scenes, the film boasts a skilled crew including music director Gaurav Anand and cinematographer Pratap Raut, with support from a wide team of artists and technicians.

Presented by Pixel Movies and produced by Prabhat Kumar Pradhan, Landfall is not just a film—it's a visual archive of collective memory and a powerful reminder of both the fury of nature and the spirit of humanity. As anticipation builds, audiences await a cinematic experience that will likely leave a lasting impact on Odisha’s cultural landscape.