Sabyasachi Mohapatra’s ‘Pahada Ra Luha’ brings glory to Odisha
Internationally renowned film-maker Sabyasachi Mohapatra’s Odia movie, “Pahada ra Luha” has once again grabbed everyone’s attention by winning the ‘Best Odia Film’ award in the regional category. With this award in the 63rd National Films Awards ceremony, the film-maker has now another feather in his cap as his two earlier films ‘Sala Budha” and “Adim Vichar” won rave reviews from the critics in the year 2012 and 2014 respectively.
His latest venture is a 77 minutes long movie that focuses on the rampant industrialization in Koraput district and following displacement of Paraja tribals from the area. Titled “Tears of mountains” in English, the film is a moving tale of displacement as the outcome from the setting-up of industries in the tribal homeland. The film captures the real feelings and difficulties the tribal people face because of dislocation.
Unexpectedly, the film’s completion took 10 years as it dealt with severe financial crunches. Still the sixty-six year old film-maker held this project close to his heart as it was his dream project for last 25 years. Expressing happiness and gratitude for the impressive photography by Kuma Chodaganga and director of music, Ramesh Kumar, the director has termed it as the dream come true venture after a long wait.
Uniquely, the film has local dialects as its crew finished its shooting in the interior parts of Koraput and Kalahandi districts. Belonging to a rare genre of film-makers, Sabyasachi Mohapatra, has the exceptional caliber in making movies, which are based on difficulties and social problems that the ethnic communities face in their areas that lead to dislocation and poverty in their groups.
As the state is plagued with atmospheric pollution from the industries and mining activities, his film delivers a great message for the lovers of nature and it has come at a time, when the state is passing through serious ecological problems.