Ollywood: The Odisha Film Industry
The Odia film industry had its beginnings in the 1930s, with the release of the first Odia film, “Sita Bibaha,” in 1936. Since then, Ollywood has grown and evolved, producing a diverse range of films.
The First Film Talkies of Odisha
The first film theater in Odisha is the Laxmi Talkies, located in the city of Cuttack. Laxmi Talkies holds the distinction of being the oldest cinema hall in the state and played a pivotal role in shaping the cinematic culture of Odisha. Laxmi Talkies was established in 1932 and became the primary venue for showcasing films in the region. During its early years, Laxmi Talkies screened silent films. However, with the advent of sound in cinema, it transitioned to screening talkies, marking a significant development in the history of film exhibition in Odisha.
The First Odia Film
The first Odia film is “Sita Bibaha,” which was released in 1936. Directed by Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami and produced by Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami and Prabhat Mukherjee, “Sita Bibaha” is a historic milestone in the Odia film industry. This film not only marked the beginning of Odia cinema but also stands as one of the earliest Indian talkie films.The Budget of first odia film was Rs30,000/-
“Sita Bibaha” is based on the Ramayana and features characters such as Lord Rama, Sita, and Ravana. It was produced under the banner of Mohan Sundar Films and played a crucial role in establishing the foundation of the Odia film industry. The success of “Sita Bibaha” paved the way for the growth of Odia cinema, leading to the production of more films in the Odia language. The film industry in Odisha has since evolved, producing a diverse range of films that reflect the cultural richness of the region.
The second Odia film
The second Odia film Lalita, was released in 1949 and the first Odia film to be released post Independence.
Father of Odia Film
The title of the “Father of Odia Cinema” is often attributed to Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami. He played a pivotal role in the production of the first Odia film, “Sita Bibaha,” which was released in 1936. Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami, along with Prabhat Mukherjee, produced and directed this groundbreaking film, marking the inception of the Odia film industry.
“Sita Bibaha” was a significant milestone as it was not only the first Odia talkie but also one of the earliest Indian talkie films. The efforts of Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami laid the foundation for the growth and development of the Odia film industry, making him a key figure in its early history.
First Odia Color Film
The first Odia color film is “Gapa Hele Bi Sata,” released in 1976. Directed by Rabi Kinagi, the film marked a significant milestone in the history of Odia cinema by introducing color to the screen. “Gapa Hele Bi Sata” is a romantic drama that starred Uttam Mohanty and Mahashweta Ray in lead roles. The film’s success not only contributed to the popularity of Odia cinema but also opened up new possibilities for storytelling and visual aesthetics in regional filmmaking.
The first Odia film to release across India
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