Odisha’s Traditional Ghoda Nach Takes Centre Stage in Upcoming Odia Film ‘Debakanya’

Bhubaneswar: The poster, trailer and a song from the much-awaited Odia film Debakanya were unveiled at an event in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, offering a glimpse into a story rooted in Odisha’s traditional culture and performing arts.

The film revolves around the traditional Ghoda Nach (horse dance) of Puri and tells the story of a boy who performs the folk dance dressed as a girl. As he continues performing in the female attire, his mannerisms, way of speaking, gestures and behaviour gradually begin to take on feminine characteristics.

The character eventually comes to be known as ‘Debakanya’, owing to his devotion to Maa Mangala.

Actor Subhashis Sharma (Montu), who has previously appeared in several films in lover-boy and chocolate-boy roles, plays both the Dev and Kanya aspects of the central character.

The makers said the film carries glimpses of Odisha’s culture and traditions from beginning to end. However, the eventual outcome of the protagonist’s journey has been kept under wraps and will be revealed to audiences when the film hits theatres.
The poster, trailer and song were unveiled in the presence of Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, who attended the event as the chief guest, and Rajarani Mandal president Sangram Martha.

Producer Suresh Kumar Sahu, director Rashes Mahanti (Silu), and actors Kuna Tripathy, Ravi Mishra, Kedar Mishra, Deb, Subhashis Sharma (Montu) and actress Sushree Mishra were among those present. Choreographer Lubun, music director Bikash Das, lyricist Biranchi Narayan, singers Abhijit Mishra and Nishant Mishra, and media planner and creative head Pranaya Jethi also attended the event along with members of the technical team.

Produced under the Supreme Entertainment banner, Debakanya has been produced by Suresh Kumar Sahu and Bhairavi Tripathy. The film is written by Shankar Tripathy and directed by experienced filmmaker Rashes Mahanti (Silu).
Bapi Babu is the cinematographer, while Chandra Sekhar Mishra has handled the editing.

According to the makers, Debakanya seeks to bring Odisha’s folk traditions and cultural identity to the big screen while presenting an unusual character-driven story centred on Ghoda Nach.
The production house has announced that Debakanya is scheduled to hit theatres in November.