Abhiram Mishra, the emerging DOP (director of photography) is the child of Odisha who has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood. He is currently working in ‘Rangadari’ and also at Ollywood in Susant Mani’s ‘Sweetheart’. Though it still long way to go, Abhiram looks back to his journey with us.

It was never ‘science’ for Abhiram Mishra. It is always ‘arts’. He is always inclined more towards creating than experimenting. He is a poet but he writes not with words but images. He is painter but he paints not with colours but light. He speaks but silently. It is his pictures that speak a thousand words. He recreates reality on screen. It is his power, his creativity. It takes him to another dimension and differentiates from the crowd.

Abhiram Mishra didn’t know that he is going to be in photography in future when he is born to Gadadhara Misra and Rukmani Mishra in Kaduapada of Jagatsinghpur. After school, he took science in his plus two and physics honours in graduation at Swami Vivekanand Memorail Collage, Jagatsinghpur. Being a science student, Abhiram always wanted to continue his studies in the same stream and do MCA. But during his +2, it was his elder brother Asutosh Mishra who brought him information on the newly opened Film and Television Institute of Odisha. Enlightened by Surya Mishra, a trained professional of Hollywood and maker of film “Baje Bainshi Baje Ghungura”, he told Abhiram about the different aspect and prospect of film course available at FTIO. Being confused Abhiram applied and selected for cinematography course initially though he didn’t take admission at the FTIO as everyone agrees that Pune Film institute is the most prestigious institute for film making, he also wanted to pursue the course there. After graduation, he applied for both FTII and FTIO and got selected. At that time Surendra Sahoo, the cameraman of the first odia colour film and FTII alumini, was head of the department of cinematography course at FTIO. Seeing not much difference between the two institutes, Abhiram’s brother suggested for studying at FTIO. Abhiram was admitted at FTIO and started his first year of cinematography course, though in the mind he was still confused between whether to make career in computer or cinematography. During his first year, there is black&white photography course in which students have to take photo on film and develop and print the same. This particular thing changed and made Abhiram to come to a decision. When he developed and printed his own taken pictures in the lab, the image formation – when the pictures took shape and formed on paper, it was proved to be a goose bumping moment for Abhiram. It gave him a feeling similar to that of giving birth to a child. This sublime feeling of a creation finally made Abhiram absolutely sure to continue the cinematography course with any further doubt.

With family support, he continued and passed out from Film and Television Institue of Odisha which is known as Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institue of Odisha(BPFTIO) now. Abhiram’s father always wanted him to do a job, but his guide and inspiration Surendra Sahoo groomed and made him realize the advantage of freelancing. He did many documentaries and other shoots in initial days and these trials and error again made him realized the rule of physics that ‘efficiency can’t be hundred percent’. One needs to give his best input and expect the best in return. With this learning and commitment, Abhiram headed towards Bollywood – only to give his best and prove his talent.

Struggle of Abhiram started at Bombay. Being novice, he didn’t aware how to find the opportunities. Even the institute he passed from was not well known to all. Initially he started to contact cameramen working in film line but most of the time he greeted with a negative reply. Later he tried to contact Ishwar R. Bidri, cameraman of Damini, Border, and other movies. After many reminders and contacts, Sri Bidri being impressed with Abhiram’s strong formal education from a film institute, he gave scope to assist him with his films. Abhiram worked endlessly with numerous projects and finally went ahead from assistant to the main cameraman. He even associated with the premier film production house ‘Rajashri’. ‘Isi Life Mein’ becomes Abhiram’s first product in Bollywood as cameraman. And to addition he has done more than 15 feature films in both Odia and hindi including many documentaries, serials. Abhiram has touched success in every sphere and is now one of the well known name in both Mumbai, and Odisha.

Recently, people of Odisha thrilled to see Ghajini villain Pradeep Rawat in an Ollywood flick ACP Ranveer. And it is obvious for people to be thrilled to see actors from other industries talking Odia. In past, we have seen a number of artists from Bollywood who have worked in Odia movies. Last year, Kashmira Shah had been seen in an item number of Ollywood film too. And now, news has come that the chooe-mooee girl Preeti Jhangiani is all set to enter to Odia film industry. The movie is Gangster in which Preeti will be seen in an important role. Along with Preeti, Ashiqi hero Rahul Roy and Mahabharat’s yudhistir Gajendra Chouhan can also be seen in this Arindam starrer movie ‘Gangster’. The mahurat of the movie has been held on 23^rd May and is being directed by Tanmay Patra, produced by Jagat Ranjan Mangaraj under Sai Binayak Entertainment.

To add to the excitement, it has been come to know that the stylist angry man of Bollywood Nana Patekar is also working in an odia movie ‘Superstar’. The movie is the second production of Ambe Audio-Visual and has been produced by Debanand Panda. The mega star Nana Patekar seems to be the primary attraction and USP of the movie. The shooting of Nana’s role in Superstar has been completed and he has returned to Mumbai, as per the report. Other than Nana, Mahasweta, Mihir Das, George Tiadi, Ratan Meher, Rali Nanda, Saswati Mishra, Jayiram Samal have acted in the movie. It is scheduled for Ratha Yatra 2012 release.

After super duper performance in ‘Raja Jhio Sange Heigala Bhaba’, Archita will now be seen in bilingual movie. ‘The Light – Swami Vivekananda’ is an upcoming Hindi and Bengali movie in which Archita has been casted in the role of ‘Moinbai’. The movie now is in production stage. It has been planned to be dubbed in 18 Indian languages.
Apart from Archita, most of the actors and actress are from the theater background. In the film, Archita will be seen doing mujra for Maharaja Ajit Singh Bahadur – a disciple of Swami Vivekananda. Archita is thrilled to work in this movie. The song has been shot at Brudwan Rajbari in the Naachmahal. Archita, a trained Odissi dancer, always wanted to do a film that would explore her this talent. “When I watched “Umrao Jaan”, I dreamt of an offer where I too would be able to do such a mujra. Unfortunately, Ollywood doesn’t make films where I would get that scope, said jovial Archita”
The Light – Swami Vivekananda depicts the transition of young Vivekananda to one of the greatest Preachers of all time. The movie has been shot in various parts of Odisha and Kolkata.

Odia cinema has emerged in 1936, just thirteen years after the first Indian feature film. Since the day it has seen many up and downs. Many actors and actresses has come and gone with time. Some of them shined during their time, taking Odia film to a grand level, and making Odisha proud. But time doesn’t stand still. With passage of time, these actors become veteran, and new actors take their place. Thus, there was a time when Sarat Pujari, Prasanta Nanda, Uttam Mohanty, Mahasweta, Aparajita Mohanty were dominating Odia film industry, but then time changes, taste of the audience changes, and accordingly new actors came. Siddhanta Mohapatra and Rachana ruled the Odia industry for some years along with others. Now in this 2k age, not only numbers of movie production increased but also increased in the numbers of new comers.

In recent years, Ollywood is producing more than 30 movies in a year. With so many movies being made in industry, it gave opportunity to many aspirants who able to polish and showcase their talents in front of audience.

Anubhav  Mohanty,the handsome hunk of Ollywood, after modeling and doing about 300 video albums entered Odia cinema industry in 2004. And the moment he entered, he started to be known as a worthy contender of the tag ‘Superstar’. His debut movie ‘I Love You’ to today’s blockbuster ‘Balunga Toka’, he continues to mesmerize audience through his screen presence. Last year, he also got ‘best actor’ award at Taranga Cine Awards. After Anubhav, many new faces came to industry. Budhaditya, nephew of Mahasweta Rai, after persuing career in national television, started doing odia movies from 2006. Since then, he continues to enthrall audience with his personality and talent. Recently released ‘Shapath’s actor Aakash made his charismatic debut in 2008 with ‘Kalinga Putra’ and by that day he has established himself in the industry as not only one of the most good looking hero but a talented actor. Samaresh Routray, a NSD passout, showed his tremendous talent in movies like ‘ Dhauli Express’, ‘Mukhyamantri’, ‘Luchakali’. Being the third actor to be a qualified from NSD, Samaresh’s passion for art reflects in his choice of roles he takes. Hero to villain or even secondary roles he performs with enthusiasm. Babushaan, the son of star couple Uttam Mohanty and Aparajita Mohanty, made his acting debut only at the age of 18 with “Romeo: The Lover Boy” as acting is in his gene and slowly he has already started to impress maximum directors and producers of the industry. When ‘Prema Rutu Asilare’ released in 2005, the power packed Arindam, came to limelight. This handsome hunk who is the ‘Gudboy’ of the industry has captivated the audience as well as the girls by his acting, looks, and style.

There was a time when Odia girls were not, might be for conservative society and family, opting for acting career. That’s why producers had to hire actresses from outside the state. But in these modern days, society has been broadened and the mindset is changing. As a result, girls from Odia families are now dreaming to be successful actresses of the industry. After Rachana left the odia cinema, Anu Choudhury came to light. This gorgeous beauty who has been stunned the odia cine audience by her acting and beauty is now the most sought after actresses of odia cinema. Archita, who recently got Taranga Cine Awards for best actresses, is versatile young actress who has all the potential to be established as an actress of substance. She is an incredible Odishi dancer also and currently riding high in Ollywood. The beautiful Barsa Priyadarshini started his cinema career from ‘E Jugara Krushna Sudama’ in 2003. And now in 9 years of hard work she has more than 20 films to her credit as lead actresses. The bubbly and charming Riya made her rocking entry with ‘Prema Adhei Akhyara’. Since then, her cool looks, acting and dance has won the heart of her fans and producers. Another most beautiful contemporary actress is Priya Choudhury. She is one of the few multi talented actresses of the Odisha. From radio, television to cinema, she has managed to leave a footmark by her hardwork, passion and dedication. ‘Dreamgirl’ is the first movie of Priya in 2008 and now she has numerous offers from industry. Anubha Sourya, the new bubbly girl in Odia cine industry, daughter of the popular beautiful odia actress Pushpa Panda, has made her entry to Ollywood with the romantic flick “Mu Premi Mu Pagala’. As talented as her mother, Anubha from the very beginning has been proved herself as the most promising newcomer by grabbing the ‘best debut actress’ at Taranga Cine Awards.

While Odia cine industry aka Ollywood hasn’t reached the level of national or even Tollywood movies, still it is progressing in a faster pace. In this stage of development, the choice and dedication of these newcomers for helping Ollywood to move ahead is a seriously praiseworthy. By encouraging these newcomers, Odia cinema is expected to shine gloriously.

Rajja is back and this time with more hotness. With the scorching summer and hope of a cooler monsoon, this year Rajja has more thrills in it. With the usual festive fervor, Rajja reminds another thing to be excited about. That is the infamous Rajja cinema fight. Yes readers, time has come for the battle and the battle is going to be one of the toughest for the cinema makers this time.

This year on Raja, three new movies Matric Fail, Raja Jhia Sathe Heigala Bhaba, and Idiot are set to make the crowd confused as what to watch in theatres.

But all eyes are on the super hit team of Balunga Toka. Yes Balunga toka team has created an unbelievable rage among mass with their new movie ‘Matric Fail’. The name itself has enough masala for the rage. It is the latest venture of Vidisha craft featuring the hit Ollywood pair Anubhav and Barsha. The film is musical, romantic drama directed by Sudhakar Basant. Balunga Toka song composer Abhijit Mazumdar has scored the music for this film. Matric Fail’s tagline is MA in Lovology which tells the story of a person who is academically weak but strong in love and humanity.

Raja Jhia Sathe Heigala Bhaba is a musical romance starring Arindam and Archita in lead. Sarthak Films is known for his big budget and good production quality movies and this year it is ready to give a fight. Sudhansu Sahoo is the director and Premananda has scored the music for Raja Jhia Sathe Heigala Bhaba. The story of the film is interesting love saga of a village naïve and rich urban girl.

IDIOT is an Ashok Pati movie which is product of Green India Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd. This new flick of Ashok Pati has cast of Babushaan and Riya in the lead. Babushaan last film with Ashok Pati “Loafer” was a rocking hit which was also a product of Green India. This time Babushaan, Ashok Pati and Green India’s collaboration again has raised the eyes of others asIDIOT has been scheduled to be a Rajja release. The movie is also a love story of two behaviorally different persons. Music of IDIOT is composed by Guduli Rath. Ashok Pati has put a very interesting thing behind his movie title as IDIOT really suggests I do ishq only tumse.

The three movies though are love stories but have something different in all. While Matric Fail is a love story-cum-family drama; Raja Jhia Sathe Heigala Bhaba is a musical romance; Idiot is a comedy and family drama. While Matric Fail has superstar Anubhav, superhit Jodi of Anubhav Barsa, blasting music of Abhjit Mazumadar and colourful direction of Sudhkar Basant; Idiot has Ashok Pati’s strong direction, popular Babushaan, charming beauty Riya and melodies of Guduli Rath; and Raja Jhia Sathe Heigala Bhaba has new sensation Arindam and this year’s best actress Archita with Sarthak’s dedication to musical hits. Raja Jhia Sathe Heigala Bhaba is releasing on 10th June – some days before Idiot and Matric Fail’s release. While the excitement of audience and anxiety of filmmakers is boiling at the summer temperature, time will tell which movie wins the Rajja fight this year.