“You Have to Have a Deep Love for Filmmaking”: Sudhanshu Mohan Sahoo on Juggling Multiple Projects
Bhubaneswar: With several films either in theatres, awaiting release or progressing through different stages of production, filmmaker Sudhanshu Mohan Sahoo finds himself navigating one of the busiest phases of his career. From Dandakali and Monster to Mangalpur Diary, Ram Rajya and Nayika, his current slate spans multiple genres, subjects and ensemble casts.
Yet, despite the number of projects on his plate, Sahoo says his approach to filmmaking remains straightforward—prepare the script thoroughly, plan the work and stay committed to the craft.
“My first priority is always getting the script ready. If the script is proper and ready, everything else falls into line,” Sahoo told Odia Celebrity.
Managing multiple films simultaneously, he says, is not merely about handling schedules or moving from one set to another. It requires discipline, planning and, above all, genuine passion for cinema.
“With proper planning, you can work on multiple movies. But you have to have a deep love for filmmaking. If you have that passion, you can manage,” he says.
Among his upcoming projects, Dandakali, scheduled for release around Ganesh Puja, has taken more than a year of preparation. Based on a real event and rooted in a major festival celebrated in southern Odisha, particularly around Berhampur, the film required careful attention to its cultural setting.
“We had to prepare the story very carefully, keeping the festival and its cultural background at the centre,” Sahoo says.
The film features Mahasweta Ray, Sidhant Mohapatra, Suryamayee Mohapatra, Usasi Mishra, KK, Ellina Padhi and Trupti Mirambika, among others. With such a large ensemble, Sahoo believes preparation and communication with actors are crucial.
“I believe in discussing the characters and their roles with the actors beforehand. When everyone understands the character and the director’s vision, the work becomes much smoother,” he says.
His upcoming slate is also notable for its diversity. Rather than following a single formula, Sahoo is moving between religious narratives, action-oriented stories and contemporary social themes.
“My upcoming films span different genres and themes—from religious stories and action-packed narratives to films that address contemporary social issues. I believe this variety will offer audiences something fresh and engaging,” he says.
While Dandakali is slated to release around Ganesh Puja, Sahoo’s Monster is scheduled to hit theatres during Dussehra. The makers are expected to announce the release dates of The Mangalpur Diary, Ram Rajya and Nayika soon.”
For the filmmaker, that variety could itself become the biggest draw for audiences.
“That is what I think will excite the audience. Every film will offer something different.”
Sahoo began his directorial journey with Kiye Pochiba Maa Akhira Luha in 1998, which went on to become a major hit.
He subsequently directed films including Sahara Jaluchi, Samaya Kheluchi Chakka Bhaunri, Swayamsiddha, Don, Bapa Superman, Katak Sesha Ru Arambha and Mayabi. A two-time State Award-winning director, he has remained a consistent presence in Odia cinema while working across different genres and generations of actors.
Having witnessed the industry’s transformation over nearly three decades, Sahoo has seen television, streaming platforms and social media reshape audience habits. He also points to the shortage of theatres and the industry’s earlier dependence on remakes as challenges that have affected Odia cinema.
However, he believes the growing focus on original storytelling is helping the industry regain momentum.
“Now, because filmmakers are coming up with more original storytelling, people are beginning to come back to theatres. That is a very good sign, and I hope this continues.”
For Sahoo, then, the secret behind managing multiple projects is not complicated. It begins with a well-prepared script, moves through careful planning and ultimately depends on the filmmaker’s passion to keep creating.