Ekamra Walks to Host Special Screening of Colourised Classic ‘Jajabara’ to Mark 51 Years

Bhubaneswar: Ekamra Walks is set to host a landmark cultural evening in the city under its Odia Film Panorama initiative, with a special screening of the iconic Odia film Jajabara to commemorate 51 years since its original release in 1975. The event will take place at the open-air theatre of Kalabhoomi, promising a unique blend of cinema, nostalgia, and cultural celebration.

The screening holds historic significance as audiences will witness the colourised version of the legendary black-and-white film, revived through an extraordinary preservation and restoration effort. Ekamra Walks, the flagship cultural initiative of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), aims to celebrate Odisha’s rich artistic heritage and bring timeless cultural works closer to contemporary audiences.

Widely regarded as more than just a film, Jajabara occupies a distinctive place in Odia cinema and cultural history. Its powerful narrative and artistic depth have influenced generations of viewers, making it a cultural touchstone. The special screening not only honours its enduring legacy but also highlights the monumental effort undertaken to restore and reimagine the film in colour.

The colourised version is the result of an extensive project led by noted technologist Bapu Lenka. A dedicated team of 21 technocrats worked for 736 days to meticulously process and colourise nearly 2.19 lakh frames of the original film. This pioneering initiative has created history in Indian regional cinema, making Jajabara the first black-and-white regional film in the country to be colourised, reflecting exceptional technical expertise and deep cultural commitment.

Adding to the grandeur of the evening, several eminent personalities associated with the film will be present, including actresses Banaja Mohanty and Tripura Mishra, singers Geeta Pattnaik and Trupti Das, along with Bapu Lenka, producer Bijaya Patnaik, and actor Shyamalendu Bhattacharya. Their presence will offer audiences a rare opportunity for interaction, reflection, and shared nostalgia.

The screening is scheduled for Sunday, 8 February, at 5:30 PM at the Kalabhoomi Open Air Auditorium. Earlier in the day, at 2 PM, an Odia Literary Trail featuring Sakhi Kandei dance and a storytelling session on Kulfi will further enrich the cultural celebrations, making it a day-long tribute to Odisha’s vibrant artistic traditions.