Acclaimed Short Story ‘Christmas’ to Be Adapted into Odia Feature Film

Bhubaneswar, July 13: In another significant step towards bringing acclaimed Odia literature to the silver screen, the much-discussed short story “Christmas” from renowned journalist and author Prashanta Pattnaik’s short story collection Punashcha Andhara is being adapted into an Odia feature film of the same name.

The title and first-look poster of the film were unveiled on Monday, marking the official launch of the project. The film has been scripted, written and directed by senior media personality, columnist and filmmaker Shyama Prasad Mishra.

At the heart of the film lies a poignant message: “Even the thousand lights of Christmas cannot hide the darkness in the lonely hearts of parents.” The story reflects the emotional struggles of elderly parents who find themselves neglected despite living under the same roof as their children.

The film follows the life of John Hamilton, a retired railway guard, and his wife Mary, who dream of spending their retirement peacefully with their three sons and daughters-in-law. However, as time passes, they become victims of emotional neglect and isolation within their own family.

While one side of the house is filled with Christmas celebrations, colourful lights, music, delicious food and cheerful gatherings, the elderly couple spend the festive evening in a dimly lit room, reminiscing about the sacrifices, love and memories that shaped their lives. As the celebrations grow louder, their loneliness becomes even more profound.

The film raises a thought-provoking question: Can the spirit of Christmas restore hope and light to John Hamilton’s life? Will his children realise the value of their parents’ unconditional love before it is too late?

According to the makers, Christmas is not merely a family drama but a sensitive reflection of the realities faced by many elderly parents in modern society. The film seeks to highlight the importance of gratitude, compassion, responsibility and the enduring strength of family relationships.
The screenplay and dialogues have been adapted from Pattnaik’s original story by Shyama Prasad Mishra, who is also directing the film.

Production is scheduled to begin in the last week of August 2026, with plans to premiere the film at PVR INOX cinemas by September 2026. Following its theatrical premiere, the film is expected to be released on an OTT platform, making it accessible to Odia audiences across India and abroad.

The title announcement event was attended by author Prashanta Pattnaik, director Shyama Prasad Mishra, associate director and actor Aravinda Jena, stage and television actress Sona, along with guests including Manish Prasad Mishra, journalists Hara Mahapatra and Amit Kumar Ghosh, director Biyat Pragya Tripathy, filmmaker Manas Parida, Ayush, Partha Pattnaik, Puja Pattnaik and several members of the film fraternity.

Describing the film as an emotional celebration of love, forgiveness and hope, the makers said Christmas aims to touch audiences’ hearts while reminding them that no festive illumination can replace the warmth of love, care and respect that parents deserve from their children.