Odia Film ‘Abhisar, Ek Prem Kahani’ to Release in September, Features Transgender Woman as Lead Actress
Bhubaneswar: Odia film Abhisar, Ek Prem Kahani, produced by Fusion Entertainment, is set to hit theatres in September. The film, described by its makers as an original love story, has drawn attention for featuring a transgender woman, Bhoomi, in the lead actress role.
The makers have claimed that Abhisar, Ek Prem Kahani is the first film in India to cast a transgender woman in a central female lead role, calling it a bold and unconventional step for Fusion Entertainment.
The film’s poster and songs, released earlier, have reportedly received an encouraging response from audiences.
The story has been penned by Sanghamitra Bhanja, while Ranjit Mohanty has handled the screenplay, dialogues and direction. Bijay Ketan Mishra and Laxmipriya Mohanty are the producers. Prasanna Kumar is the cinematographer and Chandrasekhar Mishra is in charge of editing.
Music, described as one of the key elements of the film, has been composed by Bibhuti Bhushan Gadnayak. Sandeep Mahapatra and Laxmi Narayan Patnaik are the chief advisers, while media planner Pranay Jethi is handling the film’s publicity and promotion.
The film stars Meera Parida, debutant actor Rudra Pratap Mohanty and Bhoomi in the principal roles. Bhoomi, who is a transgender woman, plays the lead female character. Arya Mohanty and Shivaji Raja are among the other artistes in the cast.
The makers said the film seeks to bring to the screen stories rooted in everyday society that are often overlooked despite having strong emotional dimensions. Fusion Entertainment said it is attempting to give cinematic form to such stories and take them to a wider audience.
Director Ranjit Mohanty said the story is different from conventional narratives and represents a new approach for the Odia film industry.
Abhisar, Ek Prem Kahani is scheduled for a theatrical release across Odisha in September. The production house expressed confidence that the film will receive strong support from audiences.