Bhubaneswar:
You can have an idea, but may not execute it.
You can execute someone else’s idea so perfectly that you become a pioneer.
Odia film Lahari, that’s hitting the theatres on September 12 (Friday) across Odisha, brings to the celluloid a transformative story, germinated and nourished in the rural belts of this state that’s truly got its moniker ‘India’s Best Kept Secret’. Like its protagonist Bhuta always in praise of a charming young lady, who planted an idea in his mind, a perfect execution of that idea makes this middle-aged villager an enabler of transformation in his locality. The ripple effect of that life-changing idea is not only witnessed in that film but also reflected in realities.
Bringing freshness to the recent paradigm shift in Odia movie storytelling, Lahari (Waves) adds a new episode to the cinematic legacy of the state. This Amartya Bhattacharyya-directorial takes the movie-goers on a ride of the scenic and serene landscapes of Odisha, immersing them in the village vibes, giving them the glimpse of Odishan art and culture, acquainting them with the hardworking and cooperative attitude of locals while consciously trying to shed the perceived image of Odisha’s poverty and backwardness.
When it comes to Amartya’s films, the audiences will definitely get educated in many ways while enjoying a jubilating experience, and Lahari is no different from that feeling for the viewers. It’s an explorative journey for the viewers who come across different shades of themselves throughout the movie and face the usual prophetic curiosity on Existentialism. A crashing wave ends there or it recedes down to regenerate?
A distinctive story, an engaging narration, a superlative cast and their free-flowing acting, impressive camera work, interactive frames, dialogues ridden with philosophies and the punch of humor make Lahari a spectacular watch. No doubt it has garnered huge rave reviews across the globe before knocking the doors of Odia viewers to apprise them of the story of their land, notify them of the immense possibilities Odisha can offer to its natives.
Barring few loopholes here and there, which may be subjective to the viewer’s own perceptions and understanding of the medium, Lahari is a good watch if you are up for something different in theatres, something away from the mindless masalas currently running.
Amartya who is known for his indie works has got the support of popular actress and producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee through her venture Jhilik Motion Pictures. If the story is hero in Lahari, so are its top-notch casts that include the genius veteran duo Choudhury Bikash Das and Choudhury Jayaprakash Das, one of the most promising young actors Dipanwit Dashmohapatra and child actor Smruti Ranjan Mahala. Besides, the actings of Susant Mishra, Swastik Choudhury, and strong cameos from Babusan Mohanty, Jhilik, Hara Rath, Sandip Bal, Prasanjeet, Amartya and Priyanka have added flavours to this movie. Actors from as many as 13 nations have screen presence in Lahari while Syrian actress Zeinab Doer has a charming impact in the film.
The music has been composed by Kisaloy Roy and vocals by Gourav Anand and Navya Jaity, while Amartya has penned the story and lyrics of this flick along with taking care of cinematography and editing.
Lahari had its world premiere at the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival and it has already toured several prestigious film festivals across the globe before its theatrical release.
