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

Bhubaneswar: The poster of the much-awaited Odia film Debakanya was unveiled recently, along with the release of its trailer and a song, offering a glimpse into a story deeply rooted in Odisha’s culture and traditional performing arts.

The film, produced under the banner of Supreme Entertainment, is jointly produced by Suresh Kumar Sahu and Bhairavi Tripathy. Written by Shankar Tripathy, Debakanya has been directed by experienced filmmaker Rashes Mohanty (Silu).

Ekamar MLA Babu Singh attended the event as the chief guest, while Rajarani Mandal president Sangram Martha was also present. Producer Suresh Kumar Sahu, director Rashes Mohanty, cultural advisor Ashutosh Kumar, and actors Kuna Tripathy, Ravi Mishra, Kedar Mishra, Deb, lead actor Subhashish Sharma (Mantu) and actress Sushree Mishra were among those present.

Dance director Lubun, music director Bikash Das, lyricist Biranchi Narayan, singers Abhijit Mishra and Nishant Mishra, and the film’s publicity and promotion team, including media planner and creative head Pranaya Jethi, also attended the event along with members of the technical team.
Cinematography for the film has been handled by Bapi Babu, while Chandrasekhar Mishra is the editor.

Debakanya revolves around the traditional Ghoda Nacha folk performance of Puri and tells the story of a boy who performs the dance dressed as a girl.

According to the filmmakers, as the boy repeatedly performs in female attire, his mannerisms, gestures, speech and behaviour gradually begin to resemble those of a girl. Owing to his devotion to Goddess Mangala, he is given the name ‘Debakanya’.

Subhashish Sharma (Mantu), who has previously appeared in several films in lover-boy and chocolate-boy roles, will be seen portraying both the ‘Deb’ and ‘Kanya’ facets of the central character.

The film explores the emotional and social dimensions of the character while showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. From beginning to end, the makers have attempted to incorporate elements of the state’s traditions and cultural practices.

The filmmakers have kept the eventual outcome of the story under wraps, with audiences set to discover how the narrative concludes after the film’s theatrical release.
The production house has announced that Debakanya is scheduled to hit the screens in November.