“Chi Re Nani” Promises an Intimate, Fiery Love Story Rooted in Rural Odisha
Bhubaneswar: After months of eager anticipation and an emotionally charged creative journey, Sidharth Music is set to release Chi Re Nani, a powerful Odia-language romantic drama, in theatres across Odisha and key Indian metros on August 1st, 2025.
Directed and written by eminent filmmaker Susant Mani, and produced by Sitaram Agrawalla and Namita Agrawalla, the film stars Sailendra Samantaray, Sivani Sangita, and Dipanwit Dashmohapatra in leading roles. Set against the lush yet emotionally stifling backdrop of rural Odisha, Chi Re Nani explores the complexities of honour, silence, rebellion, and love forbidden by tradition.
“This is not a film about heroes or villains. It’s about people navigating right and wrong in a world where love feels like a crime,” says Sitaram Agrawalla, MD of Sidharth Music.
Inspired by a Song that Touched Millions
The inspiration for Chi Re Nani came from the timeless Desia song “Chhi Chhi Chhi Re Nani”, originally written, composed, and sung by the late Sri Satya Adhikari. Decades after its release, the song recently resurfaced globally through viral dance videos, cover renditions, and musical reinterpretations.
“Its melody went viral, but its lyrics carried deep grief. That contrast sparked an entire film in our minds,” shares director Susant Mani.
In honour of the song and its legendary creator, the team decided to build a story that reflects its emotional core. Thus, Chi Re Nani was born—not just a film, but a tribute.
A Love Story Born of Pain, Pride, and Resistance
At its heart, Chi Re Nani is the story of Kanha, a free-spirited village boy with a rebellious heart, and Kusum, a girl burdened by family honour and silent expectations. Their love, filled with longing and resistance, spirals through betrayal, heartbreak, and unspoken truths.
Known for his cinematic precision and emotive storytelling, Susant Mani brings to the screen a love story both tender and turbulent, grounded deeply in Odisha’s social and emotional realities.
A Much-Awaited Genre Revival
In an era where Odia cinema thrives on horror (Bou Buttu Bhuta), mythological epics (Sri Jagannathanka Nabakalebara), and comedy (Ananta), Chi Re Nani revives the long-lost tradition of the musical romance—a genre once central to the Odia film identity.
“A love story rooted in music and emotion was missing. With this film, we hope to reawaken that sentiment,” says co-producer Namita Agrawalla.
Musical Legacy Reimagined
Produced under the Sidharth Music banner, the film features a soulful original soundtrack by Asad Nizam, including a recreated version of the 1995 Desia classic album Baliful, where “Chhi Chhi Re Nani” originally appeared.
Staying true to folk traditions while embracing contemporary arrangements, the music is set to be a cultural bridge between generations—nostalgic for older audiences and fresh for the youth.
A Pan-Odisha & Diaspora Release
Chi Re Nani is scheduled for a wide theatrical release across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, and more, alongside key diaspora cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad—where Odia-speaking audiences await stories that feel like home.
Promotions are already underway across digital platforms, regional television, and influencer collaborations, with expectations high for what the makers promise will be a film that “leaves a lasting emotional impact.”
A Tribute that Transcends Time
More than just a cinematic event, Chi Re Nani is poised to become a heartfelt homage to Odisha’s musical soul, a salute to the legendary Satya Adhikari, and a love story for a new era.
Mark your calendars: Chi Re Nani releases August 1st, 2025.