Bhubaneswar, Sept 10: The Odia film industry is gearing up for an interesting box-office battle this Ganesh Puja, with three films—‘Dahan’, ‘Dandakaali’ and ‘Jadi’—scheduled to release on September 11.
With star-studded casts, original storylines and ambitious production values, all three films are hoping to attract audiences and make a mark at the box office. The makers are confident about their projects and are seeking viewers’ love and support. Production houses have also begun their countdown to release day.
‘Dahan’ promises horror and thrills
Produced under the Amiya Patnaik Productions banner, Dahan – The Evil Within is expected to offer audiences a distinct horror experience. The film has generated considerable buzz on social media, with its teaser, trailer and promotional song ‘Mayabi Premika’, featuring Sanoj and Dibya, drawing attention.
National Award-winning filmmaker Anupam Patnaik has directed the film and also handled its story and screenplay. Produced by Anupam and Barsha Patnaik, the film features Barsha Patnaik, Aroshikha Mishra, Samrat Mahapatra, Parthasarathi Ray, Nishant Majithia, Choudhury Jayaprakash Das and Pranab Prasanna Rath, among others.
The film has received an ‘A’ certificate and recently premiered in Mumbai.
‘Dandakaali’ brings tradition to the big screen
‘Dandakaali’, produced by Rajashree Cinecraft, revolves around the traditional Danda dance and the story of Maa Dandakaali.
The film features an ensemble cast including Mahashweta Ray, Siddhant Mahapatra, Suryamayee Mahapatra, Chitrasen Ghosh, Trupti Mirambika, Choudhury Jayaprakash Das, Ushasi Mishra, K.K., Elina Padhi and Udit Guru, among others.
The story is written by Abhishikta Mishra, while Dilip Chowdhury has penned the screenplay and dialogues. Sudhanshu Mohan Sahu has directed the film and Deepak Kumar has handled cinematography. Music has been composed by Prem Anand.
The film has received a U/A (16+) certificate with zero cuts, while its teaser, trailer and music have already generated interest among audiences.
‘Jadi’ focuses on the youth
‘Jadi – The Untold Side of If’, produced under the Shreeansh Productions banner, primarily targets the younger generation.
Produced by Kajal Ray and directed by Dibyajyoti Udaysingh, the film explores how a small dispute can escalate into a major incident and questions the truth hidden behind it.
The cast includes Shailendra Samantaray, Priyambada Swain, Akash Hota, Bhakti, Galu Chhua and Sushant Das Mahapatra, among others.
The big box-office question
With all three films scheduled to arrive on the same day, it is difficult to predict which one will emerge as the winner. Their box-office fortunes will depend on audience response, word of mouth and the strength of their content.
Another crucial factor will be the number of screens and shows each film receives on September 11, along with their respective premiere schedules. Whether all three films release simultaneously or any of them changes its schedule will become clear soon.
For now, the stage is set for an intriguing three-way clash, and Odia cinema lovers have plenty to look forward to this Ganesh Puja.
