Bhubaneswar to relive Odia cinematic heritage with ‘Manikajodi’ screening at Kala Bhoomi
Bhubaneswar: Ekamra Walks is set to celebrate Odisha’s rich cinematic legacy this Sunday with a special screening of the timeless Odia classic Manikajodi under the Odia Film Panorama at Kala Bhoomi.
Released in 1963, Manikajodi remains one of the most powerful films in Odia cinema, laying bare the devastating cost of greed, pride and unchecked power. The film poignantly explores fractured families and broken bonds, where love becomes collateral damage in the pursuit of control.
The story revolves around Barada Prasanna Pattnaik, whose life is driven by greed and vengeance following a bitter land dispute and his sister’s suicide. Manipulating family relationships, he marries his niece Saila to Partha, only to later tear them apart as conflicts escalate. As tensions rise, Partha is attacked and captured by Barada’s men, forcing his brother Siddhartha to step in. Barada also prevents Saila from joining her in-laws, ultimately pushing Partha to end the marriage. The narrative reaches a tragic climax when Barada’s attempt to kill Siddhartha goes horribly wrong, with a stray bullet killing Saila—exposing how blind pride and ambition destroy the very family Barada seeks to dominate.
The film features a stellar cast including Sarnuel Sahu Babi, Jatin Dash, Anima Pedini, Dhira Biswal, Akshaya Mohanty Kashyap, Sukhalata, Geeta Dutt, Leela Dulali, Sharat Mohanty and Tima, among others. It was produced by Ramkrushna Tripathy, Dhira Biswal, Kailash Chandra Karan, Srinivas Paikaray and Suryamani Khuntia, directed by Prabhat Mukherjee, with the story penned by Bhanja Kishor Patnaik.
The celebration will continue at 5.30 PM at Kala Bhoomi with the Odia Film Panorama featuring the acclaimed short film Ahalya. A sensitive and reflective reinterpretation of the mythological character, Ahalya explores themes of silence, resilience and the unseen emotional burdens carried by women. Director Bijoy Ketan Mishra will interact with the audience, sharing insights into the film’s creative journey and thematic depth.
Ekamra Walks is jointly organised by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) as part of efforts to celebrate the city’s vibrant culture, ancient architecture and strong community spirit.
With limited seats available, participants can book their spots online at ekamra-walks.com. The organisers say the event promises not just a film screening, but a memorable cultural experience that reconnects audiences with Odisha’s cinematic heritage.