Aswin Tripathy Announces New Film Kangula on Republic Day
Bhubaneswar, January 26: After the success of Delivery Boy 2 and Motorcycle, noted Odia filmmaker Aswin Tripathy has officially announced his next feature film on the occasion of Republic Day.
The film, titled KANGULA: Dandakali Ra Danda Nacha, promises to be a powerful, spiritually rooted cinematic experience inspired by true events.
Described as “a divine tale from the soil of Odisha”, Kangula draws its narrative strength from the ancient and culturally significant tradition of Danda Naacha, also known as Danda Jatra or Danda Yatra—one of the most revered folk dance festivals of the state.
The film is being produced by Sambeet Acharya and Suvendra Kumar Malla (Litu), with Aswin Tripathy taking charge as director. The title announcement has already generated considerable buzz, especially among audiences interested in Odisha’s indigenous traditions and spiritual heritage.
Rooted in Odisha’s Ancient Culture
Danda Naacha is an age-old ritualistic dance festival predominantly observed in South Odisha, particularly across Ganjam, Dhenkanal, and Angul districts, regions considered the heartland of the ancient Kalinga Empire. The festival is held annually during the month of Chaitra and involves intense physical endurance, devotion, and ritual performances.
Participants, known as Danduas or Bhoktas, observe strict vows over a period of 13, 18, or 21 days, dedicating themselves to the worship of Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva. According to historians, including references by Ram Prasad Tripathy, the tradition traces its roots back to the ancient Kalinga capital of Sampa (modern-day Jaugada) in Ganjam district.
A Spiritual and Cinematic Journey
With Kangula, the makers aim to bring this rarely explored cultural practice to the big screen, blending devotion, history, and human resilience into a compelling narrative. The subtitle “Dandakali Ra Danda Nacha” highlights the film’s deep spiritual core and its connection to the goddess-centric rituals of the festival.
The filmmakers have stated that more details about the cast, storyline, and release timeline will be revealed soon.
Aswin Tripathy’s latest announcement signals another bold step toward storytelling that celebrates Odisha’s cultural identity, offering audiences a cinematic window into a living tradition that has survived centuries.